Victoria Hightower

Dr. Victoria Hightower is a Professor of History and Associate Director of Nationally Competitive Scholarships at the University of North Georgia (UNG), specializing in Middle East history, Persian Gulf history, and interdisciplinary fields like gender studies and environmental history. She earned her Ph.D. in 2011 from Florida State University and holds advanced degrees in Near Eastern Studies and History.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in History, Florida State University (2011)
  • M.A. in Near Eastern Studies, University of Arizona (2006)
  • M.A. in History, Florida State University (2004)
  • B.A. in History, Florida State University (2001)

Her research explores the intersection of the pearl trade, heritage construction, and nationalism in the UAE and broader Arabian Gulf region, with a focus on gender dynamics and environmental sustainability. She has taught courses such as World Civilizations, Modern Middle East History, and Gender and Sexuality in the Middle East, available in both online and face-to-face formats, as well as in English and Arabic.

Dr. Hightower’s publications analyze historical power structures, cultural legitimacy, and ecological practices in the Gulf. She has received multiple awards, including the UNG HAP Department Teaching Award (five times), a UNG CTLL Emerging Leader Award, and recognition as a Fulbright Scholar UAE alternate.

• Scientific Awards:
  • UNG HAP Department Teaching Award (Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2019, Spring 2021)
  • US Army Commander’s Service Award (Fall 2019)
  • Fulbright Scholar UAE (2009, Alternate 2019)
  • UNG CTLL Teaching Excellence - Tenure Track (2019)
  • UNG SGA Outstanding Faculty Member (2018-2019)
  • UNG CTLL Emerging Leader Award (2018)