His high school guidance counselor told him to forgo college because he just was not serious enough as a student. These many years later, after 33 years at WSU, LeRoy Ashby, Claudius O. and Mary Johnson Distinguished Professor of History, is to be promoted to Regents Professor.
“My first reaction was wondering who was going to blow the whistle,” said Ashby of his response to news of his award. “I come from a background where it comes as such a shock to be given such recognition at a university level … I am the first in my family to go to college.”
Despite his shock, Ashby is not a newbie at receiving awards. His teaching awards include the President’s Faculty Excellence Award in Instruction (1983), and a Mortar Board Distinguished Faculty Award (1987). Ashby has received statewide acknowledgement for his teaching, as well: he was named the CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education) Professor of the Year for the state of Washington in any discipline … twice.
“He has touched the lives of literally thousands of students,” said Erich Lear, interim dean for the college of Liberal Arts. “He has led his discipline by being effective as both a researcher and teacher.”
As a research scholar, he has published six books and has developed a niche in several areas of study. One in particular is U.S. social welfare history, particularly the history of children.
“LeRoy Ashby deserves this award for his contributions to the university’s teaching, research and service missions,” said Roger Schlesinger, chair of the Department of History. “He has been sought after frequently to speak at high-profile university events, such as the inauguration ceremony for President Sam Smith.”
Ashby deflects the praise, saying it is due instead to those who helped him along the way.
“I’d have to thank my wife of 47 years because she helped to put me through graduate school. She had to put a lot of her dreams on hold for me,” he said. “My academic role models deserve recognition as well: Norma Peterson, my undergraduate teacher who convinced me to major in history, and (University of Maryland professor) Sam Merrill, the ideal mentor.”
