USM Names Dr. Karen Cook-Bell to 2023 -2024 Wilson H. Elkins Professorships

Award Will Support Research on African American Women During the Civil War

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – Dr. Karen Cook-Bell, a professor in Bowie State University’s history and government department, has been awarded a 2023-24 University System of Maryland (USM) Wilson H. Elkins Professorship for her research in African American Studies. Dr. Cook Bell will receive $30,000 to support the work she began last year when she established the W.E.B. DuBois Center for the Study of the Black Experience.

Dr. Cook-Bell is one of four professors from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry; Salisbury University; University of Maryland College Park and Bowie State University who received an Elkins Professorship. The awards are provided to support researchers and professors who demonstrate exemplary ability to inspire students and whose professional work and scholarly endeavors make a positive impact at their institutions and across the entire USM.

“The Elkins Professorship supports my research on African American women during the Civil War and Reconstruction era,” said Dr. Cook-Bell. “It also provides funding to continue the work of the Du Bois Center for the Study of the Black Experience at Bowie State University. At a time when there are attacks on the teaching of African American history, I am honored that the USM Board of Regents recognized the importance of my research and its implications for the nation,” she said.

Last year, Dr. Cook-Bell was awarded $75,000 as an Elkins Professor to establish the W.E.B. Dubois Center for the Study of Black Experience to encourage and disseminate research about African Americans and the African diaspora.

In support of the Elkins Professorships, the Wilson H. Elkins Endowment funds are intended to support compelling projects with a focus on research, scholarship or community engagement that will allow the Elkins Professor to make an important contribution to the teaching, research or public service mission of the institution and the entire USM.

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