Master’s Thesis Award
The Iowa History Center at Simpson College seeks nominations for the outstanding master's thesis in Iowa history for 2013. Selection will be based on contribution to the knowledge of Iowa history; originality of the subject matter or methodology; use of sources; and written expression. Nominees must have completed their master's degree between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013.
The winner will be announced in the fall of 2013 and receive a $1,000 cash prize and an award plaque. Three copies of the thesis and a brief letter of nomination from the thesis advisor, which includes contact information for the nominee, should be submitted to Bill Friedricks, Director, Iowa History Center, Simpson College, 701 North C Street, Indianola, IA 50125. Application deadline is June 30, 2013.
For more information, please contact administrative assistants Allie Walker, (515) 961-1369, allie.walker@simpson.edu or Linda Sinclair, (515) 961-1528, linda.sinclair@simpson.edu.
Iowa History Center Award for Outstanding Master’s Thesis in Iowa History - 2012
Garret Wilson, Iowa State University
The Iowa History Center at Simpson College has awarded its 2012 prize for the outstanding master’s thesis in Iowa History.
Garret Wilson was given the honor for his thesis, “The Collapse of the Iowa Democratic Party: Iowa and the Lecompton Constitution.” The award comes with a plaque and $1,000 prize. Wilson completed his master’s degree in history at Iowa State University and is currently teaching part-time at Des Moines Area Community College. He hopes to pursue his doctorate in the near future.
His thesis reexamines the collapse of the Iowa Democratic Party, and challenges the view that its general demise was connected to the effects of Kansas-Nebraska Act. Instead, Wilson focuses specifically on the Lecompton Constitution, which he argues led to divisions within the party. This allowed Republicans to take political control of the state by the end of the 1850s.
“We are delighted to recognize Garret’s scholarship,” said Bill Friedricks, director of the Iowa History Center. “His research advances the dialogue about Iowa’s political past.”
Past Recipients:
Sara Egge, Iowa State University
Pam Stek, University of Iowa
