Maryanne A. Rhett

Maryanne A. Rhett serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University, where her scholarship bridges modern Middle Eastern and Islamic history with popular culture, nationalism, and world history through the lens of comics and graphic narratives. She actively shapes historical pedagogy as Director of the Graduate Program in History and through leadership roles in the World History Association.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. from Washington State University

Dr. Rhett's research examines how sequential art mediates cultural discourse, particularly in representations of Islam, nationalist movements, and global historical events. She investigates the pedagogical power of comics in world history education while analyzing Orientalist tropes and migration narratives across visual media. Her work consistently connects academic historiography with public engagement through accessible formats.

Her publication trajectory reveals evolving scholarly focus: early work established foundational analysis of Islamic representation in comics (2012-2014), followed by pedagogical applications in world history classrooms (2007, 2013), and recent expansion into migration narratives and contemporary superhero discourse (2021). This progression demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary reach while maintaining core commitments to postcolonial theory and visual cultural analysis.

Dr. Rhett mentors graduate students as Director of the History Master's Program, supervising theses and comprehensive exams annually. Her administrative leadership extends to departmental chair duties and active participation in the Monmouth University Biennial Conference on Race, though specific grant funding details remain unmentioned in available records.

Professional engagement includes ongoing service as Secretary (2013–present) and Program Chair (2009–present) for the World History Association, reflecting sustained commitment to global historical scholarship and pedagogy.