A Mississippi State history professor emeritus is returning to campus to lead the university's two most distinguished scholarship programs.
John F. Marszalek, a Giles Distinguished Professor who retired in 2002, is the new Schillig Scholar Mentor and head of the Presidential Scholars Program. He also will serve as chair of the Competitive Scholarship Selection Committee.
The Schillig and Presidential scholarships are the highest academic honors MSU bestows on incoming freshmen. Competitively awarded on the basis of academic and leadership accomplishments, they cover the cost of books, tuition and room and board for four years.
Marszalek earlier served as Schillig mentor for the four years leading up to his retirement. He succeeds MSU President Emeritus Donald W. Zacharias, who is stepping down after several years in the position.
"Dr. Marszalek is an exceptional scholar, respected both by his peers and by students," said Peter Rabideau, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "He will be an outstanding role model and mentor to some of the brightest minds on our campus."
Marszalek has authored 11 books and more than 150 articles during a 30-year career. He continues research and publishing in fields that include civil rights and Civil War history.
Currently, he is completing a biography of Union leader Henry W. Halleck, the Civil War's longest-serving commanding general. The book is scheduled for publication next year by Harvard University Press.
Marszalek also is a member of the jury for the 2003 Lincoln Prize, which recognizes the best book of the year about the Civil War period. Additionally, he is among approximately 100 professionals working on the advisory committee for the congressionally established Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission that is planning a 200th birthday celebration in 2009 for the 16th U.S. president and Civil War leader.
