For those of you who received a MHA newsletter this week, this is not new. But, I figured I would transcribe it on here for those who haven’t heard yet.
The Board of Directors of the Mormon History Association has announced the appointment of Dr. Martha P. Taysom as editor of the Journal of Mormon History. Dr. Taysom will work with longtime editor Lavina Fielding Anderson until the organization’s convention in Springfield, Illinois, when she will assume the editorship.
Dr. Taysom, whose home is in Bloomington, Indiana, holds a Ph.D. degree in American intellectual history, with a minor in American religious history, from Indiana University. She has taught American and world history and American studies at Indiana University, in Bloomington and Indianapolis, at Ivy Tech State College in Bloomington and at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana.
From 1993 to 1997, Dr. Taysom served as an editorial assistant for the American Historical Review. She also held the position of copy editor for the Intellectual History Newsletter from 1991 to 1996.
She is the author of Glory is a-Comin’ Soon: A History of the Mormons in Indiana, as well as several articles and conference papers. Both the Board of Directors and the search committee were unanimous in recommending Dr. Taysom as the new editor. MHA President Kathryn M. Daynes pointed out that Dr. Taysom’s education and experience qualify her “to ensure that the Journal continues as the premier publication” in the field of Mormon history.
Like many of you, I am sad to see Lavina go, though after 18 years she definitely deserves a break. I did not get to know her until this past year, and she is more than a pleasure to work with; she will definitely be missed, and is leaving big shoes to fill.
However, Dr. Taysom (any relation to Steve?) sounds like a more-than-worthy replacement. I am especially encouraged by her background in intellectual history, as I see that as a blooming field within Mormon studies.
With new editors starting this year like Taysom, Kristine, and Vickie, the future of Mormon studies continues to be in great hands.
I should also mention that Bill MacKinnon was selected as MHA’s president-elect, succeeding Ron Romig, incoming president; Curtis Atkisson and Andrea Radke-Moss were selected as council members; and finally, Jenny Reeder was chosen as the new student representative.
Comment by Ben — January 29, 2009 @ 10:43 pm
Thanks, Ben. I don’t know much about Dr. Taysom, but she certainly seems to have good credentials for the job. My sense is that there’s no relation between her and Steve, but I may be wrong. Congrats to Bill for getting the nod as President-Elect.
Comment by David G. — January 29, 2009 @ 10:53 pm
This is good news. Thanks for the announcement, Ben.
Comment by Christopher — January 29, 2009 @ 11:31 pm
I met Martha last week. She’s very nice. It sounds like everyone asks her but her relationship to Steve is fairly remote. Lavina will surely be missed, as you have noticed.
Comment by smb — January 30, 2009 @ 8:16 am