POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — Dr. David Dalton, professor of history and Elizabeth Hoyt Clark chair of humanities, was one of 18 history professors in the nation invited to attend an American Civil War Seminar sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges and the Gilder Lehrman Institute.

The seminar was titled “The American Civil War: Origins and Consequences” and was led by renowned Civil War scholar Gary W. Gallagher. Gallagher is the John L. Nau III professor in the history of the American Civil War emeritus at the University of Virginia. The seminar took place from Aug. 1–5 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

“The seminar was an opportunity for me to be a student again,” Dalton said. “I believe teachers should never stop learning; there’s always something new to include in a lecture or an assignment or a new way to interpret or present a topic. And it was such an honor to learn from one of the country’s leading Civil War historians in Gary Gallagher.”

The seminar focused on the causes, consequences, and conflict of the American Civil War. Gallagher conducted the seminar as a graduate level history course and encouraged participants to discuss and ask questions.

“Being one of only 18 teachers selected nationwide to participate is also a recognition I will always cherish,” Dalton said. “More importantly, despite having taught the Civil War at C of O for over three decades, I took a legal pad full of notes and ideas that I have already started incorporating into my course. I am truly excited about adding new details to my lectures and assignments for my students. In the end, while it was an honor to be selected, it will be my students who will benefit the most.”

Dr. Eric Bolger, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the college, nominated Dalton for the seminar.

“Dr. Dalton was a natural fit for this seminar,” Bolger said. “Throughout his career he has combined compelling classroom teaching with ongoing scholarship on the Civil War. Not only did he benefit from this experience, but other scholars in the seminar benefited from Dr. Dalton’s expertise and passion.”