Political historian given ESU research award

An ESU associate professor of social sciences and author of books on the conservative movement accepted the 2004 President’s Award for Research and Creativity today.

Gregory Schneider received a plaque and cash award this afternoon at the university’s annual Research and Creativity Forum.

Schneider has earned a national reputation as a scholar of 20th Century political thought. His first book, “Cadres for Conservatism: Young Americans for Freedom and the Rise of the Contemporary Right” was published in 1999 and focused on the conservative student movement of the 1960s.

Schneider is also the author of the recently published anthology “Conservatism in America Since 1930,” a collection of writings from leading 20th century conservative thinkers.

His new book has been reviewed by well-known national magazines such as “The American Conservative,” “The National Review” and “The Weekly Standard. The book was listed as a “Main Selection” of the Conservative Book Club, and has opened doors for Schneider for numerous public speaking appearances and panel discussions around the country.

At ESU, Schneider has helped support the efforts of his colleagues by establishing a forum in the social sciences department where faculty can present their research. According to department chair John Sacher, “His enthusiasm for scholarship leads him to engage our political scientists, philosophers, geographers and fellow historians in academic debate that benefits the entire department.”

In the late 70's and early 80's, Schneider became politically interested, calling himself "a Reaganite." Growing up in a Catholic suburb of Chicago, he says hat his family and ethnic background attributed to his interest in conservatism.

Schneider says conservatism is largely misunderstood today, a trend he hopes to challenge with his work.

“Often, conservatives are unfairly treated,” he said, crediting the movement with important social changes such as the fall of Communism, the streamlining of government and the emergence of a global economy.

In the classroom, Schneider works hard to present a balanced view of American history. “My job is to be as objective as possible in presenting what historians have written in the past,” he said.

“However my students are probably getting a more fair perspective on conservative presidents like Herbert Hoover and Ronald Reagan than they would from a typical textbook in American history.”

While he is honored to receive the research and creativity award, Schneider intends to build upon his success, with two more books and several essays in the works.

“The fact that my colleagues and I are fortunate to be able to do quality research while also being dedicated classroom teachers speaks well of Emporia State,” he said.

The President’s Award for Research and Creativity was established in 1996 to honor those at ESU who have been active in research, scholarly activities or creative endeavors.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>