معرفی
Sandra Mathews is a Professor in the Department of History at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she teaches courses in Indigenous History, the U.S. West, Latin America, Gender, and Environmental History. Her scholarship focuses on borderlands, settler colonialism, and Native American experiences, with significant contributions to regional and educational literature.
- Ph.D. in U.S. West and Latin American History, University of New Mexico, 1998
- M.A. in Latin American Studies (History and Political Science), University of New Mexico, 1988
- Languages: Spanish (fluent), Portuguese (studied), Russian, German
Her research interests include Indigenous History, Gender in the American West, Red Power and Indigenous Activism, and Borderlands Studies. She has published extensively on New Mexico history and American Indian experiences, with a strong emphasis on accessible and educational writing for both academic and general audiences. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates history with environmental studies and gender analysis.
The recent publications and forthcoming works show a sustained focus on regional history, textbook development, and narratives of teaching and survival in remote areas. Her work bridges academic rigor with public engagement, particularly through K–12 educational materials and trade books.
- Dr. Margaret J. Prouty Faculty Teaching Award, 2024
- Ameritas Faculty Fellowship (multiple years)
- John Topham and Susan Redd Butler Off-Campus Faculty Research Award (three times)
- Nebraska Wesleyan Advisor of the Year, 2016
- Gaspar Pérez de Villagrá Award, 2012
- Honor Award for Anthology, Nebraska Center for the Book, 2012
Sandra Mathews is an active advisor and mentor, recognized multiple times for her student engagement and scholarly contributions. She has received internal and external research grants, including off-campus awards from Brigham Young University. Her dedication to teaching and advising is evident in her awards and course development, including interdisciplinary seminars on environmental figures and Star Trek.
Outside the classroom, she is involved in environmental and interdisciplinary courses, advising student organizations, and promoting active learning through experiential topics like triathlons and outdoor activities, reflecting her holistic view of education and personal development.
