Rebecca Berens Matzke

Rebecca Berens Matzke is a Professor of History, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and Chair of the History Department at Ripon College. She holds the Ralph Hale Ruppert Distinguished Professorship of American History. Since 2003, she has taught a diverse range of courses, including World History, the Cold War, World War I, and Catalyst classes. Her teaching emphasizes public history, encouraging students to critically engage with historical narratives beyond academia and develop skills for creating their own public history projects.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Modern British History and Modern European History, Cornell University
• M.A. in History, Cornell University
• B.A. in History and English, University of Nebraska

Research Interests:

Her scholarly work focuses on the role of Britain’s naval power in 19th-century foreign policy, British propaganda efforts toward the U.S. during World War I, and the Cold War-era reception of Atlas missiles in Nebraska. She integrates public history into her teaching, fostering student creativity in historical interpretation.

Awards:

• Ralph Hale Ruppert Distinguished Professor of American History

Teaching and Advising:

No specific grants or advising details are listed, but her teaching philosophy emphasizes equipping students with skills for a curious life. She enjoys sharing historical enthusiasm to inspire student passion for the field.