Dr. Iain Anderson became a Dana faculty member in 2002. He earned his bachelor's degree in history from Loughborough University in England and his master's degree from the University of Evansville (Ind.). His Ph.D. in history is from Indiana University. He has chaired the History Department at Dana since November 2002, and was appointed Leitha K. and Willard A. Richardson Professor in Liberal Arts for 2005-06.

Dr. Anderson teaches courses in American and European History and American Government. Course goals include training students to become better historians, equipping them to exercise citizenship in the United States and the world, and preparing them to take their places as productive members of society. One concept is critical to meeting these goals: active learning.

“Getting students involved in their education through hands-on examination and analysis of historical documents—whether diaries, films, music, legislation, or a host of other materials—is the best way for them to test and fulfill their intellect and imagination, and to develop a sense of responsibility and a set of skills,” Anderson suggests. “At Dana, our small class sizes and emphasis on teaching and mentorship allows students to develop those abilities in discussions, small group activities, and classroom leadership.”

Dr. Anderson's current research interests lie in the field of American cultural and social history. He has published articles on nonprofit sponsorship of jazz and the commemoration of slave music. His first book is published by the University of Pennsylvania Press and titled This Is Our Music: Free Jazz, the Sixties, and American Culture.

He enjoys playing soccer, eating out, live music, and travel.

Dr. Iain Anderson
Associate Professor of History
ianderso@dana.edu
402.426-7244
Office: DC 310