History & Geography, Department of

The Georgia College & State University history professors behind The Georgia BBQ Trail website have veered off the beaten path to explore the stories of two restauranteurs who challenge the stereotype of the southern barbecue pitmaster. “Keepers of the Flame Fan the Flames of Change: A Digital Oral History Project on Georgia Women in Barbecue” is a series of documentary films from historians Craig Pascoe and James “Trae” Welborn. The first two films in the series profile Jenica Gilmore...

Daniel Brown ’11, has come a long way since earning his GED.  A first-generation, nontraditional college student, he earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Georgia College & State University (GCSU). He’s always been fascinated by buildings and architecture, owing to his studies and work in construction and plant operations at GCSU. Daniel’s the chief building official of building and fire safety for Macon-Bibb County through his company, SAFEbuilt. At Safebuilt—a 30-year-old...

Story and Photos developed by University Communications In New York City, the wildlife is sparse and specific: pigeons, raccoons, squirrels, etc.   Can you imagine how surprised Elijah Lopez was when he traded his home in the Big Apple for a working farm in Milledgeville, Georgia? “It’s so small, there’s not a lot of cars honking, there’s no pigeons flying around everywhere. It was a complete culture shock,” Lopez, a senior history major, said. “I’m always ready for change, but it...

Deanna Sorrells didn’t realize she liked history until she walked into Dr. Stephen Auerbach’s World Civilization classroom as a first-year student at Georgia College. The Savannah-born and -raised history major now can’t get enough of it.  “Dr. Auerbach's the reason I wanted to major in history. The way he taught it was more like he was telling a story,” she said. “It was more narrative than just providing dates and names. And I have not looked back.” Sorrells has taken four courses...

Jhalen Reymoreno Billingslea From: Decatur, Georgia Major: Geography Minor: Urban Studies. I chose geography because I always had an interest in maps. I chose urban studies because my degree will earn me opportunities in planning and development. Urban studies enhances my attractiveness to employers. Why Georgia College: I originally chose to attend Georgia College because my best friend from high school decided to go here. I stayed because of the academic quality. Activities: Geography...

Food connects all human beings. Every region has its tribal traditions, every culture a certain food heritage, every family its own roots and recipes. But, mostly, food is just plain fun to eat. A group of Georgia College history students recently expanded their knowledge of food the fork-to-mouth way on a Foodways study away trip to Savannah during Spring Break. They chronicled the diversity of food rituals in this Southern port city while eating at Lowcountry, Greek, Indian, Italian,...

If rising tensions in Eastern Europe don’t abate—Dr. William Risch’s students will learn history as it unfolds. The Ukraine has endured more than its share of war, dominance and struggle for identity. Lately, it’s been in the news with a build-up of more than 100,000 Russian troops at its border. A spar of words between superpowers is fueling fears of confrontation and a third world war. “I wish things had taken a different path, because war exhausts people. They become embittered,”...