Public History Graduate Program Alumni and Students Find Success on the Job Market

Alumni and current students of the Loyola Public History graduate program are proving their value in even the most challenging hiring environment. A number of them have recently secured excellent jobs at institutions that represent the range of public history careers. In just the last several weeks, Loyola public historians have earned positions throughout the nation, at organizations large and small, public and private.

Close to home, Anne Cullen (MA 2013) has assumed the new position of Program Assistant for Exhibitions at the Newberry Library in Chicago. This is a promotion for Anne, who started at the Newberry in October 2013. The Newberry hired Maisey O'Malley (current MA student) as Anne's replacement as Program Assistant in the library's Smith Center for the History of Cartography. Anne and Maisey join Kristin Emery (MA 2013) in a formidable Loyola presence at the Newberry. Kristin serves as the Research and Academic Programs Manager.

Three recent Public History Program graduates also recently found positions in Chicago. Kelsey Walsh (MA 2012) is busy in her new job as Archivist at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Katy Hofherr (MA 2009) is now Public Development Coordinator at the Archdiocese of Chicago. Laura Johns (MA 2013) has accepted the job of Museum Educator/Lead Interpreter at Primrose Farm, a living history site operated by the St. Charles (IL) Park District.

Public History alumni also take their talents far beyond the Chicago area. Elizabeth Quinn (MA 2011) recently switched jobs, becoming the Collections Manager for the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa Fe, NM after a substantial stint with the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado. Finally, Patrick Jennings (PhD 2007) is now the Historian for the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program. This appointment gives Loyola a prominent spot in the largest employer of public historians in the United States.

Loyola public historians have also recently secured positions in higher education. Angela Fritz (PhD 2011) is now Associate Professor and Assistant Head of Collections at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Audra Bellmore (PhD candidate) recently earned the title of Associate Professor and Curator for the Center of Southwest Research at the University Libraries of the University of New Mexico.

Congratulations to everyone on their new positions! Keep an eye on this website for continuing good news about Loyola Public History alumni.