By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – The ongoing coronavirus pandemic will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most significant events of the 21st century. COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has infected about 7.5 million people worldwide and killed more than 420,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. And those numbers continue to rise. The global outbreak has crippled economies, closed schools, shut down sporting events and … [Read more...] about UNK history professor uses past pandemics to help people understand COVID-19
David Vail
First-Gen Loper: David Vail overcomes fear of finances, failure
David Vail Associate professor, history What was the toughest thing you had to overcome to attend college? Fear of failure: I worried I wouldn't be able to pay for college or be successful in my classes. I loved history and teaching, but every semester I had to find ways to overcome this fear. Fortunately, I found a good support network to help. Best advice for a first-generation student thinking about going to college? Be bold: find a strong support network of … [Read more...] about First-Gen Loper: David Vail overcomes fear of finances, failure
Former mayor of tornado-ravaged Greensburg, Kansas, speaking at climate forum
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – After Greensburg, Kansas, was leveled by an EF5 tornado in 2007, the city’s roughly 1,300 residents faced a difficult decision. Do they rebuild or relocate? The massive twister – up to 1.7 miles wide with winds reaching 205 mph – destroyed 95% of the community, with more than 1,400 homes and businesses impacted. Twelve people were killed, including 10 in Greensburg. Instead of moving away, Greensburg residents worked … [Read more...] about Former mayor of tornado-ravaged Greensburg, Kansas, speaking at climate forum
The View from Here: Vail takes close look at aerial spraying’s impact on agriculture
By JAN TREFFER THOMPSON From 30,000 feet above the Great Plains, you can’t actually see political boundaries. Just hills and valleys, fields and streams. But when people look at environmental issues in “flyover country,” historian David Vail says, too often all they see is a battle line with producers and their farm chemicals on one side and environmentalists on the other. Vail has a different perspective. The University of Nebraska at Kearney assistant professor … [Read more...] about The View from Here: Vail takes close look at aerial spraying’s impact on agriculture
Explore Kearney’s past on bicycle ride with UNK historians
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – David Vail and Will Stoutamire are avid cyclists. They’re also historians dedicated to preserving the past. During regular rides along a local hike-bike trail, the University of Nebraska at Kearney colleagues often talk about their work and ongoing projects in this area. “Pedaling the Past,” a bicycle tour highlighting Kearney history, emerged from those conversations. “This idea kind of bubbled up as something … [Read more...] about Explore Kearney’s past on bicycle ride with UNK historians
