A Word from the Chair

By Ruben Flores, Associate Professor of History and Department Chair

November 2025

Professor Ruben Flores

Three years ago at this time, I was a new department chair learning to balance the demands placed upon me by university policy statements, classroom teaching, and the research careers of the URochester History faculty. I found myself with wonderful guides in the forms of previous chairs, including Laura Smoller, Matt Lenoe, and Stewart Weaver, all of whom proved to be expert counsel for advice at important moments of decision-making. I had a superb group of faculty who cared about teaching and were stellar researchers in every sense of the term. They watched over our department and our students. Our department admin, Jacqui Rizzo, who has been with us many years and Melissa Greisch-Marianetti, who joined us during my first year as chair, were well-known across the School of Arts and Sciences for their experience with administrative systems and guidance to other units, and behind them were a loyal group of alumni who have helped to convey department priorities to the university administration. I could not have found myself in a more favorable situation. 

And so I take the time here to thank my faculty, staff, students, and alumni for their support and commitment to the study of history as I end my first term as chair and embark on a second term of three-years duration. National fellowships and prizes awarded to our faculty and graduate students attest to the quality of work that we perform in the department. Our undergraduates continue enrolling in PhD programs at prestigious research institutions like Oxford University, University College London, and the University of Wisconsin. You will see below in our graduate student news that our PhD students have also been very successful as they progress and graduate from our program. And we remain focused on providing a rich and meaningful experience for all who pass through our classrooms. The next three years will be challenging given the changing landscape of academia. But I remember the dedication of my colleagues as I come to the office each day, and I am thankful for their support and expectations for continued excellence. Alongside them, I will continue to work hard to create an environment in which we can all learn together.

Many thanks to all.