Please join the Department of History in congratulating History Majors Emily Adams and Clay Martinson, both 2018 recipients of the College of Arts & Science’s Outstanding Sophomore Award!

Clay is an “Alabama boy” from Huntsville. He is majoring in History with a Civic Engagement and Leadership minor through New College. He is Associate Vice President of Student Affairs in SGA, a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, co-chair of Lambda Sigma Honors Society, and has recently finished his term as Inter-Fraternity Council Chair and co-chair of the Students for Doug Jones campaign.

Emily, a Texas native, is a History and International Studies double major with a minor in Social Innovation and Leadership through the University Fellows program. In addition to the Fellowship Program, she is an Associate Justice on the Student Judicial Board in SGA, Treasurer of Legal Research Club, PR/Communications Chair for the English Majors and Minors Association (EMMA), an Ambassador for the Honors College, and a Student Recruitment Team Member for prospective football players.

Both Emily and Clay are aspiring lawyers, and hope to use their studies in history to give them a foundation for their eventual studies in law. Emily was able to “dive into 200- and 300-level courses,” and remarks that the Department’s courses “fit my interests so well.” Clay enjoys “learning about the nation’s history and world history,” because it’s important for us to understand “where we come from.” Emily likes the fact that  “you can just really get involved, whether it be through a public history internship or by conducting research with a faculty member.”

Clay recommends that prospective majors “get ready to read!” He says that the reading has helped him not only master the material, but also “understand why people act the way they do.” Emily encourages anyone interested in history to seriously consider majoring in it, because “you can definitely find a career in the field.”

Emily and Clay will be recognized at Honors Day and given a $1,000 scholarship. Congratulations, Clay and Emily!