Utah State University's Department of History has announced Susan M. Cogan as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Norm Jones Faculty Fellowship. Cogan, an associate professor known for her expertise in early modern European history, was recognized for her all-around excellence in research, teaching, and service, embodying the academic values of Professor Emeritus Norman Jones, in whose honor the fellowship was established. The award includes a $4,000 honorarium for the deserving faculty member.
With a record that includes fellowships from respected institutions like Cambridge University and the Smithsonian Institution, Cogan's work extends beyond the borders of Utah. Her latest book, "Catholic Social Networks in Early Modern England: Kinship, Gender, and Coexistence," earned an Honorable Mention from the Pacific Coast Conference on British Studies and showcases a deep dive into the complex societal interplays during a transformative period of English history. A noteworthy detail, as reported by USU Today, is her book's breadth of scholarly contributions, which factored into her selection for the fellowship.
Cogan's accomplishments are not confined to publications. Her devotion to mentoring was acknowledged with the CHaSS Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year award in 2022. As the program director for the university's Undergraduate Teaching Fellows Program, she continually fosters the growth of student research projects, guiding both undergraduates and graduates along the path of academic inquiry. Her teaching prowess is also reflected in the high marks she consistently receives from students in various courses, from introductory methods classes to advanced graduate seminars.
In their deliberation, the committee of senior faculty, appointed by the dean of CHaSS, cited her latest book publication and ongoing research endeavors as significant contributions to her field. Dr. Cogan plays an active role in the university as a whole, regularly reviewing for academic presses, participating in the Faculty Senate, and serving on various committees. According to USU Today, a statement by the committee described her as "the real thing — she excels in all three areas of research, teaching, and service, making her a clear choice for an award modeled on the career of Professor Norman Jones."
Past recipients of this accolade include scholars Jamie Sanders, Victoria Grieve, Danielle Ross, Julia Gossard, and Susan Grayzel, all of whom have contributed significantly to USU's academic environment. With Cogan's addition to this distinctive list, the history department at USU continues to acknowledge and incentivize exemplary efforts that drive forward both scholarly investigation and the educational mission of the university.
