Russel William Lemmons serves as University Distinguished Professor of History in the Department of History at Jacksonville State University's College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences. His academic career spans several decades with significant contributions to the field of modern German history, particularly focusing on Nazi propaganda and political mythology. Franklin College (B.A., cum laude, 1984) Miami University (M.A., 1986; Ph.D., 1991) Fulbright Fellow at Freie Universität Berlin (1988-1989) Professor Lemmons specializes in modern German history with particular expertise in Nazi propaganda, political mythology, and the Weimar Republic era. His research examines how historical narratives were manipulated for political purposes, especially by the German left and Nazi movements. He has developed innovative courses including 'The History of Modern Germany,' 'The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler,' and 'The History of the Holocaust,' alongside teaching both halves of Western Civilization and 'Europe Since 1945.' His publication portfolio reveals a clear trajectory of scholarly focus on Nazi propaganda mechanisms. The seminal work 'Goebbels and DER ANGRIFF' (1994) established his expertise in early Nazi propaganda techniques, while more recent research culminated in 'Hitler's Rival: Ernst Thälmann in Myth and Memory,' exploring how historical figures were mythologized for political purposes. His current research continues this theme with 'Germany's Eternal Son: the Ernst Thälmann Myth, 1925-1989,' examining the use of history as legitimization by the German left. College of Letters and Sciences' Distinguished Research Award College of Letters and Sciences' Distinguished Teaching Award Faculty Scholar-Lecturer designation Professor Lemmons has secured substantial research funding from prestigious organizations including the Fulbright Scholar program, National Endowment for the Humanities, German Academic Exchange Service, Holocaust Educational Foundation, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. His academic service includes membership in the German Studies Association and active participation on the University's Holocaust Commemoration Committee, along with various departmental committees.

