Social
Location
Carnahan Hall 311F
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 2960
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
I earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Ohio Wesleyan University (2001), and decided on a radical career change -- going to graduate school in history. After earning my MA from Kent State University (2003) and PhD from Purdue University (2008), I worked at the Hancock Historical Museum in Findlay, Ohio, as, at various times, the archivist, curator, and museum director.

I started at Southeast in 2012 and have served as the Director of the Center for Regional History, the Faculty Fellow for the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and the Faculty Athletics Representative.

I am the author of three books. The first, titled Parading Patriotism, explored nineteenth-century Fourth of July celebrations. The second, Tall Tales and Short Shorts, described the National Basketball Association in the 1970s. And my third, published in 2024, is titled Kings of the Garden. This latest book looks at the intersection between professional basketball's New York Knicks and the city in which they play. Between the mid-1970s and mid-1980s, the Knicks became the NBA's first all-Black team while hip-hop music rose from blighted boroughs.
WHAT AREA DO YOU TEACH?

United States History; Sport History; Local and Regional History

EDUCATION/DEGREE(S)

PhD - Purdue University (2008)
MA - Kent State University (2003)
BA - Ohio Wesleyan University (2001)

YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING:

My teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of applicability. Through lecture-based storytelling, small-group interaction, and online journaling and discussion forums, I emphasize and reinforce the notion that history matters. To that end, I promote the importance of a liberal arts education by having my students problem-solve, think critically, and analyze both primary and secondary source material.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TEACH?

I enjoy engaging with students, and hope to impart my love of history and the value of a liberal arts education on future generations of students at Southeast!

CREDENTIALS/CAREER PATH

I earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Ohio Wesleyan University in 2001, and decided on a radical career change -- going to graduate school in history. After earning my PhD from Purdue University in 2008, I worked at the Hancock Historical Museum as, at various times, the archivist, curator, and museum director. 

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHT

In 2024, Cornell University Press published my latest book, "Kings of the Garden: The New York Knicks and Their City"

AWARD/HONOR/RECOGNITION

I have twice been nominated for the college research award. My first book received several book prizes.

ORGANIZATION WITH WHICH YOU ARE INVOLVED

North American Society for Sport History

MOST RECENT/NOTABLE PUBLISHED WORK

Kings of the Garden: The New York Knicks and Their City

BEST ADVICE FOR STUDENTS

Study what you love. I earned a chemistry degree because other people told me I should be a medical doctor. I hate chemistry. After I graduated with my BA, I embraced my love of history and now have a job where I do what I love -- teaching history.

I enjoy engaging with students, and hope to impart my love of history and the value of a liberal arts education on future generations of students at Southeast!

Adam Criblez, Professor