Ruth Mostern appointed as new vice president of World History Association: A milestone for global historical research and teaching

Ruth Mostern has been appointed as the new vice president of the World History Association (WHA). As the president-elect, she is set to take over as president in 2026 for a two-year term. Mostern currently serves as the director of Pitt’s World History Center and is a professor in the Department of History. Her area of expertise lies in spatial and environmental history with a focus on imperial China and the world.

Expressing her gratitude for being elected as Vice President and President-Elect of the WHA, Mostern stated that she feels honored to be a part of the leading professional organization in her field. She emphasized that this recognition is not just about her, but it also signifies the high regard for leadership from numerous historians at Pitt and from the Pitt World History Center who are dedicated to studying history through global and transregional frameworks.

The WHA is a professional association that consists of scholars, teachers, and students who are committed to promoting world history through the encouragement of teaching, research, publications, and personal interactions. The annual meeting brings together over 300 academic historians, college instructors, and secondary school teachers each year to share cutting-edge research and teaching methodologies in the field of world history.

This appointment marks a significant achievement for Mostern and highlights her dedication to advancing the study and teaching of world history on a global scale. Under her leadership, Pitt’s World History Center will continue its efforts to promote interdisciplinary studies, foster collaboration between scholars from different regions of the world, and support innovative research projects that push boundaries in our understanding of human civilization throughout time.