Dr. Jemar Tisby will join the faculty of Simmons College of Kentucky as a Professor of History beginning October 10, 2022. Tisby will be responsible for teaching, participating in the life of the college, and engaging in collaborative efforts with internal and external partners.
As part of his position, Tisby will actively contribute to the scholarly advancement of the field of history through developing original historical research, conducting oral history
projects, engaging in archival research, synthesizing new and classic works, participating in historical societies, and more. It will also be in his scope of work to produce scholarship for the academy as well the public. Public scholarship makes the academic study of history accessible to lay people around the nation and the world. This work can take the form of webinars, video teaching series, podcasts, interviews, courses that are open to the public, documentary film projects, social media content, partnerships with external organizations, and more. It is Dr. Tisby’s hope that these projects will all increase the public profile of historical studies and the institution.
Outside of his role as Professor of History, Tisby is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the Church's Complicity in Racism, and How to Fight Racism. His latest book is How to Fight Racism: Young Reader's Edition. Tisby has been a co-host of the "Pass the Mic" podcast since its inception eight years ago. His writing has been featured in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, and the New York Times among others. He is a frequent commentator on outlets such as NPR and CNN's New Day program. Tisby earned his PhD in history and he studies race, religion, and social movements in the 20th century. He will join the faculty remotely for the remainder of the Fall 2022 semester and will relocate from the Arkansas Delta to Louisville to begin in-person for the Spring.