William Forstchen

Dr. William Forstchen is a Professor of History and Writing at Montreat College, affiliated with the Faculty of Christianity, Culture, and Human Expression. He holds a B.A. from Rider College, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Purdue University, where he was later honored as Alumni of the Year. His academic and creative work spans history, literature, and speculative fiction, with a focus on military history and archeology.

• B.A., Rider College
• M.A., Purdue University
• Ph.D., Purdue University

Forstchen’s research interests include military history, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons, and archeological exploration. He has conducted fieldwork in Mongolia, Russia, and Romania, investigating ancient fortifications and civilizations. His narrative expertise also bridges historical analysis and speculative fiction, particularly in depicting societal collapse and technological warfare.

His publications from 2005–2017 reflect a blend of historical events and speculative scenarios, with recurring themes in military conflict, societal resilience, and futuristic technology. These works engage disciplines such as history, literature, and science fiction.

• Purdue University Alumni of the Year Award

As a professor, Forstchen emphasizes storytelling as a tool for historical and cultural education. He is also an amateur archeologist and pilot, owning vintage World War II and 1930s-era aircraft, which inform his immersive teaching and writing style.