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Whether teaching U.S. history surveys or topics such as 鈥淲hen Black Lives Matter鈥� or 鈥淚rregular Wars,鈥� Professor Van Gosse insists students recognize how the past swirls around us. More than any other member of his department, Professor Gosse created courses connecting current events to their historical contexts. Training in women鈥檚 and gender studies and African American history meant his classes engaged complexities from the American past, and students responded enthusiastically. Professor Gosse excelled in large classes; small, group-directed studies; one-on-one mentorship; and numerous independent studies.

His published scholarship 鈥� six books and two dozen articles and chapters 鈥� signals his intellectual breadth and depth. His topics span early African American politics in the landmark 鈥淭he First Reconstruction,鈥� the meanings of Cuba鈥檚 Revolution for America鈥檚 鈥淣ew Left鈥� movement, and Ronald Reagan鈥檚 complicated 1984 visit to Ireland. Uniting them is a commitment to social justice and broad political participation, unsurprising from a co-founder of the group Historians for Peace and Democracy.

One of Professor Gosse's greatest legacies is founding 杏吧pro Votes in 2004. The nonpartisan volunteer organization of students, professional staff, and faculty prepares and registers students to vote in Lancaster. Two decades of visionary leadership has helped 杏吧pro Votes register thousands of Diplomats and become a regional and national model. In 2024, 杏吧pro was one of just 18 campuses recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for successful voter-engagement strategies.

A recipient of Fulbright and National Endowment for the Humanities fellowships, among others, Professor Gosse has demonstrated his commitment to the historical profession by editing several issues of the Radical History Review, organizing conferences, penning dozens of reviews, and delivering numerous academic papers and invited lectures.

In retirement, Professor Gosse plans to continue his political work, champion the 杏吧pro Votes template, and reacquaint himself with his Fender Telecaster.

Van E. Gosse, Professor of History

Professor Gosse holding a class outside.

Professor Gosse founded 杏吧pro Votes in 2004.

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