Show-Me State Times

In a recent announcement, Jay Sexton, the director of the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy at the University of Missouri, has been honored with the prestigious Southeastern Conference (SEC) Faculty Achievement Award for 2024. This recognition is bestowed upon one professor from each university within the SEC, highlighting their outstanding scholarship and research contributions.

Expressing his gratitude, Jay Sexton humbly accepted the award, attributing his success to the supportive community at the University of Missouri. Sexton, who also serves as the Rich and Nancy Kinder Chair of Constitutional Democracy and a professor in the Department of History, emphasized the collaborative efforts of his colleagues at Mizzou in driving the field of constitutional democracy forward.

Cooper Drury, the dean of the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri, commended Sexton for his dedication to cultivating engaged citizens and promoting a deeper understanding of America's government. Drury highlighted Sexton's ability to inspire students by using the American founding as a lens to comprehend contemporary issues, especially in his American Civil War history class.

Throughout his academic career, Jay Sexton has been dedicated to contextualizing history and encouraging his students to think beyond national boundaries. Drawing from his own experiences studying abroad at Oxford University, Sexton emphasizes the importance of understanding historical events within a global framework, rather than solely through a domestic lens.

Sexton's research efforts are focused on providing an international perspective on the geopolitical position of the United States during the 19th century. By challenging his students to consider America's role on the world stage, Sexton aims to broaden their viewpoints and foster a more nuanced understanding of history.

As Jay Sexton continues to inspire and educate the next generation of scholars at the University of Missouri, his receipt of the SEC Faculty Achievement Award serves as a testament to his significant contributions to the field of constitutional democracy and historical studies.