Alumni Voices
Ben Goff, Ph.D. accepted an assistant teaching professor post at Arizona State University in 2025 after spending two years as a postdoctoral fellow in Canada. In his article on life after Bellamy, he discusses the transition from a research to a teaching position.
From FSU to the classroom in Hungary. FSU History alumnus Kieran Stenson shares what it’s like teaching English abroad: the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned along the way.
After graduation, History major Vinnie Whibbs found himself in Lima in fall 2025 teaching business English to employees of an international company. In this interview, he talks about his experiences living and working in another country.
After a lifetime working for IBM, James Cortada looks back on working outside of academia: "'Handling ambiguity, prizing context, thinking historically, and communicating well in collaborative ways,' by the time I left FSU I was equipped with these skills and the courage to work in a world-class company."
Ian Varga (FSU Ph.D. 2022) talks about life after Bellamy. Since 2024, he has been an assistant teaching professor at the University of Missouri - St. Louis.
Annalia joined the FSU History social media team as a sophomore — and continued for seven semesters! Find out how this experience helped her grow as a historian, student and communicator.
Megan Groninger (FSU Ph.D. 2023) discusses how a study abroad stay in undergrad changed her professional life. Spending a semester in England turned her into a British historian; a visit to a historic site influenced her choice of M.A. thesis and Ph.D. dissertation topic.
In this interview, Autumn Cuddy shows how following unexpected interests can shape a career in history. She shares how she came to work on preserving the local music scene in Columbia, Missouri.
In May 2024, Chelsi Arellano was offered an assistant professor position at Broward College, Florida. In this article she reflects on her time in the graduate program and starting a new position.
Kristina spent the last year in Valencia, Spain, teaching English in a local elementary school. Here she talks about what it is like to live and work abroad.