Aug. 11—DICKINSON — Dickinson State University have announced the addition of a new historian to its faculty in Dr. Jeff Wells, following the expected departure of Stacy Cordery to Iowa State University.

Wells accepted the position and will serve as the second Dennis and Vaune Johnson endowed chair in U.S. History at the university.

Brent Rogers, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at DSU, noted that Wells arrival marks a final piece of a puzzle that sets the university's history program apart among centers of higher learning.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wells to DSU. He has proven himself to be an excellent historian and teacher and will bring a wonderful energy and drive to our history program," Rogers said. "Together with Dr. Cullinane and our European historian Dr. David Meier, he rounds out what I am convinced is one of the strongest history programs in the region,"

Interim Vice President and Provost at Dickinson State University, John S. Miller shared his belief that on the impact the current president of the Midwestern History Association will have on campus.

"Expanding perspectives on the multi-dimensional and cyclic nature of history is, now more than ever, critical to a well-rounded and relevant education," Miller said. "The addition of Dr. Wells strengthens the ranks of our resident historians and offers yet another 'value-added' proposition to student learning opportunities at DSU."

A former associate professor of history at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Wells holds a doctorate in history from Texas Christian University and is an experienced mentor in undergraduate research — something DSU says will benefit history majors.

Dickinson State University President Steve Easton thanked the community and supporters for providing the resources needed to attract an esteemed historian to southwest North Dakota.

"We are very fortunate to have Dr. Wells joining us to boost an already strong history program," Easton said. "We thank Dennis and Vaune Johnson, and other supporters...Our students will long benefit from their generosity."

The Johnson Chair in U.S. History is an established historian of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, with a record of successful classroom teaching, scholarly publication and university service.