Salem College historian Dr. Daniel Prosterman has been awarded a one-year Research Leave to complete the research and writing for a new book.
Originally from Chattanooga, TN, Dr. Daniel Prosterman received a BSJ from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and double-majored in History. After working in the private sector in New York City, he earned his MA in Public History and PhD in History from New York University. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at Syracuse University, he moved to Winston-Salem to join the faculty of Salem College.
Dr. Prosterman’s research investigates the practice of democracy in the United States and throughout the world, with a focus on the ways in which people mobilize to further voting rights and gain representation in their countries. His first book, Defining Democracy: Electoral Reform and the Struggle for Power in New York City, was published by Oxford University Press in 2013. He is currently writing Atomic Dreams: Creating a Nuclear World, which examines the global impact of atomic science before the Cold War.
As an Associate Professor of History and Race and Ethnicity Studies, Dr. Prosterman is thrilled to teach at Salem and to play a role in continuing the tradition of excellence in education for which Salem is known. He chose Salem because the small classes and dedicated faculty offer an energetic and supportive environment in which all students are encouraged to participate, thereby developing skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers.
Dr. Prosterman develops course curricula that will prepare Salem students to change the world. He directs independent research projects, supervises internships, and guides students through the graduate school application process. With a focus on interdisciplinary coursework, Dr. Prosterman teaches courses in programs that include the Salem Impact Core Curriculum, History, Race and Ethnicity Studies, Political Science, Environmental Studies, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Dr. Prosterman and Megan E. Bryant, his spouse, have co-authored a four-book series for young readers, Citizen Baby, published by Penguin Workshop in May 2020. They have three kids, each of whom has known campus since before they could walk! They also have three cats, who tolerate Dr. Prosterman.