David Woodard

Chair, Department of History

Professor, Political Science and History

A self-proclaimed political junkie, Dr. David Woodard serves as chair of the Department of History and teaches courses in political science and history. Woodard has been an instructor at Concordia since 1999 and has chaired the history department since 2008. His drive to teach was derived from the knowledge that good citizenship requires a basic understanding of history and current events; Woodard pushes students to read, reflect, think for themselves and make public decisions based on facts and not emotions.

Woodard has shared his expertise in U.S. history and political science through of presentations, lectures and book reviews nationally. He has published articles and book reviews in scholarly journals, including Civil War History, Journal of Southern History, Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, American National Biography, Teaching History and Peace and Change. Woodard is an active researcher and publisher who has secured multiple teaching grants for faculty improvement conferences and seminars. He served as a local television political commentator during the 2008 elections and has been a costumed interpreter at Historic Fort Snelling.

ACADEMIC / PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• Ph.D., History, University of Minnesota (1996)
• M.A., History, Southern Illinois University (1986)
• B.A., Political Science and History, Western Illinois University (1976)

ACADEMIC FOCUS

American government, U.S. foreign policy, campaigns and elections, American Civil War, Cold War, research methods

CAREER HIGHLIGHT

"My career highlight was working with the distinguished Civil War historian, Dr. John Y. Simon, who served as my mentor when I began my academic journey.  I wouldn't be where I am today without his support and guidance."