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History of American Studies at SLU

Saint Louis University hosts the only American studies Ph.D. program at a United States Jesuit university, and the only such program at a private university in the 11-state region of the Mid-America American Studies Association.

Timeline of American Studies at SLU

1963
American studies at SLU begins as a doctoral program housed in the history department.

1965
Saint Louis University grants its first American studies Ph.D. to Albert J. P. McCarthy (1918–1978), an assistant professor of geography at SLU.

1969
Sister Elizabeth Kolmer, Ph.D., establishes American studies as a freestanding, independent doctoral program at Saint Louis University, becoming the first woman ever named to head a degree-granting academic department or program within SLU’s College of Arts and Sciences.

1971
Professor Kolmer launches the Master of Arts in American Studies program, with more than 20 M.A. students earning degrees in the program's first five years.

1975
SLU establishes an undergraduate major in American studies.

1997
SLU has conferred 100 American studies doctorates.

Today, our faculty are building on that strong foundation of teaching and mentoring. Like all disciplines, American studies faces many challenges, but at Saint Louis University, American Studies majors, minors, and graduate students take an active part in meeting these challenges in the classroom and beyond.

Directors and Chairs of American Studies

  • 1963–1969: Martin F. Hasting, S.J.
  • 1969–1981: Elizabeth Kolmer, A.S.C.
  • 1981–1983: Charles E. Marske
  • 1983–1988: Lawrence F. Barmann
  • 1988–1995: Elizabeth Kolmer, A.S.C.
  • 1995–1999: Shirley Loui
  • 1999–2000: Lawrence F. Barmann
  • 2000–2015: Matthew J. Mancini
  • 2015–2021: Heidi Ardizzone
  • 2021–2023: Emily Lutenski
  • 2023-present: Heidi Ardizzone (interim)