Published February 20, 2025
CAPTION: Dr. Chris Blackburn (left) is a Professor of History at 麻豆果冻传媒. His wife, Ewa Blackburn (right), is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at 麻豆果冻传媒.听听
MONROE, LA 鈥� Husband and wife Dr. Chris Blackburn and Ewa A. Blackburn have each been awarded scholarships
for advanced language study by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).
Dr. Blackburn is currently a Professor of History in the 麻豆果冻传媒 College of Arts, Education,
and Sciences. Ewa Blackburn is currently pursuing her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
at 麻豆果冻传媒.听
The scholarship will cover all books and tuition as well as room and board while the
Blackburns study at the School of Polish Language and Culture at the John Paul II
Catholic University of Lublin, Poland, over the course of six weeks in the summer
of 2025.听听
鈥淭his award is an amazing opportunity to advance a number of my academic pursuits,鈥�
said Dr. Chris Blackburn. He notes that the time in Poland will allow him to acquire
valuable photos and video footage from historical sites and museums for use in the
classroom. The materials, information, and experiences he collects will be directly
integrated into his courses including World History and Polish History.听听
鈥淧ersonally, this scholarship will be a profound opportunity to strengthen my connection
to both the language and rich cultural tapestry of my family,鈥� said Ewa Blackburn.
鈥淚t will allow me to delve deeper into my heritage, to explore the nuances of the
Polish language, and to connect with the vibrant traditions and cultures,鈥� she continued.听听
NAWA is dedicated to fostering international collaboration in science and higher education.
Established in 2017, it supports a range of initiatives, including academic exchange
programs, international research projects, and the promotion of Polish language and
culture abroad. These efforts aim to enhance the international standing of Polish
institutions and researchers associated with Poland.听听
"Dr.听Blackburn听is a valued member of the 麻豆果冻传媒 faculty as his teaching, research, and
leadership are being recognized in national and international venues,鈥� said Dr. Mark
Arant, 麻豆果冻传媒 Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. 鈥淗e is connecting his
students with global people and places, both past and present, giving them context
for their studies and citizenship.听We are excited for his new opportunity abroad,"
added Arant. 听
"Dr. Blackburn is a constant innovator who never ceases honing his skills and contributing
scholarship. He is a credit to the university, and I am proud to have him as a colleague,"
said Dr. Jeffrey Anderson, Associate Director of the 麻豆果冻传媒 School of Humanities and
Professor of History. 听
Beyond simply the honor of being selected, both Chris and Ewa Blackburn have longstanding
personal and scholarly interest in the area. Dr. Chris Blackburn has devoted much
of his time to the study of the fight against disease in early twentieth-century Poland
and Eastern Europe. Ewa Blackburn, meanwhile, earned her MA from the University of
Louisiana Monroe, for which she wrote a thesis entitled 鈥淔or Our Freedom, And Yours:
The Contributions of the Polish Carpathian Brigade to the Allied War Effort During
the Second World War.鈥澨� In addition to studying Polish, they hope to travel early
to spend some time in the Warsaw archives.听
Dr. Chris Blackburn says his fascination with Poland began during his undergraduate
studies with a course on Polish history. His many travels to the country and research
of its culture has deepened his continued interest. His current scholarly focus is
on the experiences of Polish-Americans during World War I.听听
Ewa Blackburn says this experience will directly contribute to her research as she
works to complete her doctoral degree. 鈥�Combining my interests in both history and education, my research examines the education of displaced Polish children in the Indian refugee
camp in Valivade during WWII, focusing on the agricultural school. This opportunity
will allow me to deepen my understanding of how this education equipped displaced
children with valuable skills and knowledge, contributing to their resilience and
future success,鈥� said Blackburn.听听
鈥淥verall, this opportunity will enable me to seamlessly integrate teaching, research,
and professional development during my time in Poland, leading to expanded research
opportunities and enhanced courses for our students,鈥� said Dr. Chris Blackburn.听听
