Whether teaching U.S. history surveys or topics such as “When Black Lives Matter” or “Irregular Wars,” 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’s 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 — six books and two dozen articles and chapters — signals his intellectual breadth and depth. His topics span early African American politics in the landmark “The First Reconstruction,” the meanings of Cuba’s Revolution for America’s “New Left” movement, and Ronald Reagan’s 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 F&M 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 F&M Votes register thousands of Diplomats and become a regional and national model. In 2024, F&M 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 F&M Votes template, and reacquaint himself with his Fender Telecaster.

Van E. Gosse, Professor of History

Professor Gosse holding a class outside.

Professor Gosse founded F&M Votes in 2004.

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