Michael Rosenow, associate professor in the Department of History and coordinator of Graduate Studies, was drawn to the University of Central Arkansas’s distinguished reputation of being a teaching school.
“I was attracted to UCA by the type of institution that it was. I loved the fact that it had its roots in being a teachers college, that UCA got its start training teachers and that really had an appeal to me and its core mission,” said Rosenow.
Rosenow has an educational background in history and political science with specializations in the U.S. History Since 1865; Gilded Age and the Progressive Era; Labor and Working-Class History; and U.S. Immigration and Race.
“One of the positive things about UCA, we really get to teach what we love and that definitely counts for me,” said Rosenow, who joined the UCA Bears family in 2008.
With this, he has been able to connect with a diverse group of students over the years.
“We have wonderful faculty in the history department that will just ignite the passion and spark curiosity,” Rosenow said. “Just declare a history major. Take some classes and be exposed to our faculty.”
Rosenow’s favorite activities to conduct are service-learning projects that get the students involved and engaged in their lesson and community.
“I view my job as a professor as number one, being a good teacher and trying to be an effective teacher and inspire students both in history and just in life to be engaged and find something to be passionate about,” said Rosenow.
Throughout Rosenow’s time at UCA, he has noticed a trend of high performing students who are involved both on campus and in the community. From Student Government Association, Greek life and student-athletes to the 200-plus registered student organizations at UCA, Rosenow has come across many diverse students and appreciates the uniqueness the individuals bring to his class.
“I think that a lot of times those students who are motivated, driven and good with time management follow the trend that the University has set with getting involved,” said Rosenow.
Rosenow is the published author of “Death & Dying in the Working Class.” He is currently conducting research on how people experienced death on the job between the Civil War and the 1920s.
“UCA has positively impacted my life by giving me the opportunity to grow and develop as a teacher but also supporting my research goals and agenda,” said Rosenow.