GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College Assistant Professor of History Jay Donis, Ph.D. has traveled regionally and internationally recently to take part in conferences, including a joint meeting of leading British and American historians in Cardiff, Wales.
On Sept. 13, Donis presented at the 32nd annual conference of the British American Nineteenth Century Historians (BrANCH), held in partnership with the British Group in Early American History (BGEAH) at Cardiff University. His paper, “Black Freedom: The American Revolution’s Legacy in Northwestern Pennsylvania,” examined the historical experiences of Black residents in 19th-century Mercer County and he presented alongside scholars from the Library of Congress, Oxford University, and the University of Cambridge.
At the same conference, Donis also chaired a session on “Citizenship and Belonging,” where he presented alongside scholars from the Library of Congress, Oxford University, and the University of Cambridge. Donis also served on the program committee for the international gathering.
On October 10, Donis travelled to York, Pennsylvania for the Pennsylvania Historical Association conference where he chaired a session titled “Power, Property, and Virtue in the Early Mid-Atlantic.” At the same conference, he presented on the Black Boys, a central Pennsylvania group formed in 1765 to disrupt illegal trading between merchants and Native Americans. Donis has previously published on the subject in the Journal of Early American History.
In addition to his international and regional presentation, Donis delivered a local public lecture on Sept. 20 at the Mercer County Historical Society. His talk, “Northwestern Pennsylvania’s Role in the Build Up to the Seven Years’ War,” highlighted the region’s importance in the conflict that helped shape early American history.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.