John Daley is not just your average history professor; he’s a dedicated scholar and educator at the University of Kansas, living his dream by delving into the past and sharing his passion with students. For John Daley, history isn’t just a job – it’s a lifelong fascination, a calling he’s pursued with unwavering enthusiasm since his days working in a factory. His journey from the factory floor to academia is a testament to his commitment to education and his love for historical inquiry.
After earning his bachelor’s degree and serving his country, John Daley returned to academia, fueled by the G.I. Bill and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He understands the unique challenges faced by mature students returning to education, having experienced the isolation that can come with pursuing academic dreams later in life. However, John Daley can attest that the rewards of following one’s passion are immeasurable and well worth the sacrifices.
At the University of Kansas, John Daley specializes in upper-division and graduate-level courses focusing on pivotal periods in American and global history. His expertise encompasses the Civil War, Reconstruction, and American military history, alongside introductory surveys of American history. Furthermore, John Daley has developed and teaches specialized courses on World War I, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Nazi Germany, military aviation, armored warfare, and the compelling intersection of war and film. His diverse course offerings reflect his broad research interests and provide students with a rich array of historical topics to explore.
The history programs under John Daley’s guidance – including the B.A., History Education, and M.A. – are designed for flexibility. Students can tailor their degree paths, and even those minoring in history can customize their studies to align with their primary disciplines. John Daley encourages prospective students to reach out with questions about courses or programs, emphasizing his eagerness to connect and guide them on their historical journey.
Dispelling the myth that a history degree leads only to teaching, John Daley highlights the diverse career paths open to history graduates. His B.A. graduates have successfully ventured into fields such as systems analysis, the FBI, banking, technical writing, corporate management, police work, the military, travel, and insurance. Others have found fulfilling careers in history-specific roles like historical interpretation and archival work. These varied successes, often achieved without further degrees, underscore the transferable skills cultivated through historical study.
John Daley emphasizes that the rigorous study of history cultivates essential problem-solving abilities. History students develop critical skills in extracting relevant information from extensive reading, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, and communicating effectively in both written and oral forms. The analytical mindset honed through historical study, as John Daley points out, is invaluable across numerous professions, providing a strong foundation for careers in law and library science, among others.
Many of John Daley’s students return to pursue master’s degrees in history, driven by career advancement goals, doctoral aspirations, or a desire to explore historical topics unrelated to their previous careers. These students benefit from personalized instruction, guaranteed internship placements, and the accessibility of a nationally recognized online degree program. John Daley’s commitment to his students extends beyond the classroom, fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment.
John Daley’s Educational Background:
- Ph.D., Kent State University (1993) – Demonstrating his commitment to advanced historical scholarship.
- M.A., Kent State University (1985) – Building a strong foundation in historical research and analysis.
- B.A., University of Wyoming (1977) – Beginning his academic journey with a broad liberal arts education.
Research Focus Areas of John Daley:
- U.S. Civil War – A core area of expertise, reflecting a deep understanding of this pivotal period in American history.
- Modern Military History – Encompassing a wide range of conflicts and military developments in the modern era.
- U.S. Diplomatic History – Exploring the complexities of American foreign relations and international affairs.
- Modern German History – Providing specialized knowledge of German history in the modern context.
