Wunder to be president of Western History Association

University of Nebraska-Lincoln historian John Wunder will become president-elect of the Western History Association at the association's annual meeting in October. He will serve in that capacity during 2009, and will be president of the WHA during 2010.

"This is without doubt the most prestigious office in the field of Western history, so it represents a signal honor for John, who is the first member of this department to hold the position," said Kenneth Winkle, chair of the UNL history department.

Founded in 1961, the Western History Association exists to promote the study of the North American West in its varied aspects and broadest sense. The organization's members meet annually, bringing together a diverse group of western writers, academic historians, public historians and enthusiasts. Since 1961, the WHA has grown dramatically in size and its publications have become the most prestigious in the field.