Dr. Ronald C. Brown, In Memoriam

The Department of History is profoundly saddened to share that Dr. Ronald C. Brown, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, passed away on November 6, 2026. Dr. Brown will be greatly missed. During his full 50 years at the university, he stood out as a groundbreaking and award-winning scholar of the American West, an innovative and much-beloved teacher, and a wise and trusted administrator at the center of the development of the honors program, the College of General Studies, and innumerable resources to promote student success. Since first announcing Dr. Brown’s untimely passing, the department has been flooded with messages from former colleagues and students. Without exception, these messages reflect the shock we all feel at the loss of his sense of humor and his vibrant, creative, and caring energy. We will remember Ron as a model colleague and unending inspiration to connect with people in our work and in our communities with curiosity, gratitude, sincerity, kindness, and delight in doing good.