BETHANY, W.Va. (Sept. 18, 2024) – Dr. Kayce Mobley, associate professor and chair of the history and political science department at Bethany College, has received a $20,000 Faculty Fellowship Grant from the Appalachian College Association (ACA) for the fall 2024 semester. This fellowship will enable Mobley to conduct in-depth field research at prominent conflict-adjacent sites, both nationally and internationally.
Mobley’s research delves into an interdisciplinary investigation of dark tourism, a term used to describe visits to sites associated with death, conflict, and tragedy. Her project will explore why individuals are drawn to these places and how their experiences shape their views of conflict, memory, and history. By visiting and studying significant historical locations such as battlefields and war memorials, Mobley aims to understand the sociopolitical and psychological factors that influence visitors.
“This project will allow me to continue a line of inquiry that I began in graduate school,” Mobley shares. “I am fascinated by how people connect with history and conflict through these visits, and I believe this research will help bring political science into the conversation regarding dark tourism.”
Her previous work includes published research on the Dover Ban, and co-authored studies on the future of Confederate monuments. This new research extends her focus into areas that merge history, politics, and collective memory.
“Dr. Mobley’s receipt of this prestigious grant not only underscores the relevance of her research but also highlights the caliber of our faculty, enhances the academic reputation of Bethany, and offers new opportunities for research that will benefit our students,” says Dr. Danny Moore, vice president for academic affairs.
The ACA’s Faculty Fellowship Program is a long-established initiative aimed at advancing the professional development of faculty across its member institutions. The program offers various types of funding, including semester leave, summer research, and in-year fellowships, providing up to $20,000 in support. Over its history, the ACA has awarded nearly 600 fellowships, contributing to the scholarly growth of faculty in disciplines across the arts, sciences, and beyond.
The Faculty Fellowship Grant gives Mobley the opportunity to expand her research while enhancing the learning experience for Bethany students. With the ACA’s support, she will explore new areas of study that intersect history and politics, while bringing fresh perspectives to her classroom and the wider academic community.
About Bethany College
Founded in 1840, Bethany College is a private liberal arts college in Bethany, West Virginia. With a commitment to academic excellence, a strong sense of community, and a rich history of tradition, Bethany College prepares students for lifelong success through a comprehensive education that emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and service.
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