OSU faculty members recognized for their literary works
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Media Contact: Sydney Trainor | Communications and Media Relations Specialist | 405-744-9782 | sydney.trainor@okstate.edu
Choice Reviews have recognized four books by Oklahoma State University faculty members as Outstanding Academic Titles for 2024.
Two titles were selected to be among the top 10 titles for the year. Receiving these awards highlights the impeccable work and dedication these professors have put into their research.
The authors spent years of research and study formulating these titles. Now, fellow academics can use these resources in classes or their own research areas.
"OSU researchers and scholars advance their disciplines in a variety of ways. For many, the primary way of communicating their work is through publishing individual research projects in professional journals. But many of our researchers publish full-scale books, encapsulating a broader scope of research conducted by the authors," said Dr. Kenneth Sewell, OSU vice president of research. "To have four OSU-authored books recognized as Outstanding Academic Titles for 2024 shows the reach and impact of these outstanding OSU scholars."
Each academic took a different path to complete these pieces. Some implemented co-authors for the chapters, while others took years to perfect — each with immense passion and dedication.
Listed below are the authors and their titles:
Dr. Claire Smith — English
Top 10 title
"Urban homelands: Writing the Native city from Oklahoma"
“I'm grateful that's probably the best word to use,” Smith said. “Academic writing can be challenging because you're just not sure how many people will read this thing. All the time you've invested, and you know the careful revising, is just a long and challenging process.”
Dr. Mike Long — Sociology
Top 10 title
"Handbook on inequality and the environment"
“It got published in 2023, and then we were on to the next thing,” Long said. “So, when we found out about the award, we were pretty shocked.”
Dr. Reuel Hanks — Geography
"Historical dictionary of Uzbekistan"
Choice Review stated: “For those uninitiated but interested in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, this book is a necessary starting point. It provides the basic background to gather information to better understand this complex country and region.”
Dr. Joseph Byrnes — Modern European history
"God on the Western Front: Soldiers and Religion in World War I"
Choice Reviews stated: “It will reach a wide audience, among scholars and non-experts.”
Story By: Darby Rains | darby.rains@okstate.edu