The College of Social Sciences is pleased to announce John Collins as the next Jeffers W. Chertok Professor. This prestigious professorship was created to honor the life of Jeffers W. Chertok, who worked at EWU for more than 34 years and left a legacy of scholarship, generosity and genuine care at the university and beyond. The professorship was established through generous donations from private donors, including Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Carper, and through a match from the State of Washington. The professorship is established for the following purposes:
This professorship will be focused on classic social science theory with emphasis on the origins of thought. To the extent that current or emerging theory is introduced, it should be within the context of analysis from the perspective of the masters. Materials should focus on great thinkers such as Marx, Smith, Plato, Newton, Locke, Hume and others. The focus of this work should be to determine and understand where ideas and beliefs come from and why.
Collins started at Eastern Washington University in 2013 after obtaining his PhD from the University of Virginia and an MPhil from the University of Cambridge. He wrote the first comprehensive history of martial law in the early modern period in his book, Martial Law and English Laws, c. 1500-1700, which was published by Cambridge University Press. His book was lauded as a “landmark achievement,” and illuminates many of the prominent legal issues confronting America today, including debates over the emergency powers of government, the legality of private militias, and due process rights. At Eastern, Collins teaches students on the intellectual history of Anglo-American constitutionalism, human rights, and British history. In his courses, students learn about how constitutional thought continues to influence their lives.
Please join us in welcoming Collins into his new role!
Jonathan W. Anderson, PhD
Dean
College of Social Sciences
Professor of Psychology
David A. May, PhD
Provosit & Vice President
EWU Academic Affairs
