MVSU names Rueber Humanities Teacher of the Year

February 12, 2020

ITTA BENA, Miss.— The Division of Academic Affairs at Mississippi Valley State University is pleased to announce Dr. Micah A. Rueber as its 2019 Humanities Teacher of the Year recipient.

Each year, the Mississippi Humanities Council recognizes October’s designation of Arts and Humanities Month by bestowing Humanities Teacher Awards to outstanding faculty in traditional humanities fields at colleges and universities across the state. 

Rueber, who serves as an associate professor of history in MVSU’s Department of Social Science, will receive his award from the Mississippi Humanities Council at an annual ceremony in Jackson on March 27.

Approximately 30 awards will be given to individuals throughout Mississippi whose work is recognized for bringing insights of the humanities to public audiences.

“It is an honor to be chosen for this award, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to present my research,” said Dr. Rueber.

A program will be held in Rueber’s honor at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the Carver Randle Auditorium, located on MVSU’s main campus in the W. A. Butts Social Sciences Building.

During the event, Rueber will give a special presentation entitled, “Time Bomb in a River: Ross Barnett, JFK and Two-Million Pounds of Missing Chlorine.”

The program will also include special remarks from Molly McMillian from the Mississippi Humanities Council. 

Rueber joined the MVSU faculty in 2012. His primary focus is on the history of the United States from 1887 1997 to 1945. In addition to serving as a professor, Rueber is also the coordinator of the General Studies and University Program.

Rueber is currently working on a manuscript based on the subject of his presentation. The manuscript, which has already attracted the interested interests of several academic presses, is expected to be completed in 2021.

Rueber’s other research includes the history of hunting, especially in the American South, and government efforts in the first half of the 20th century to prevent the spread of syphilis.

Rueber holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Carleton College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Oregon, a Master of Arts degree in the History of Science and Technology from Iowa State University, and a Ph.D. in History from Mississippi State University.   

To learn more about the Mississippi Humanities Council, visit www.mshumanities.org.