Ruth Mostern, currently the director of Pitt’s World History Center and a professor in the Department of History, has been appointed as the new vice president of the World History Association (WHA). As part of her role, she will also serve as the president-elect of the organization and is set to take over as president in 2026 for a two-year term.
Mostern’s area of expertise lies in spatial and environmental history with a focus on imperial China and the world. She expressed her gratitude for being elected as Vice President and President-Elect of the WHA, stating that she feels honored to be a part of the leading professional organization in her field.
The WHA is a professional association consisting of scholars, teachers, and students who are committed to promoting world history through teaching, research, publications, and personal interactions. The WHA’s 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. In 2023, the World History Center hosted the WHA’s annual conference at the University of Pittsburgh. 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.