Frank Van Nuys
(
2002)
Professor
Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Education
B.A., South Dakota State University
M.A., California State University -
Chico
Ph.D., University of Wyoming
Contact/Location
Frank.VanNuys@sdsmt.edu
605-219-8267
SS / CB 305
(campus map)
Research Expertise
My most recent book, Varmints and Victims: Predator Control in the American West,
was published by the University Press of Kansas in 2015. The same press published
my first book, Americanizing the West: Race, Immigrants, and Citizenship, 1880-1920,
in 2002. My next publication will be a chapter on Governor and Senator Peter Norbeck
and the politics of conservation in South Dakota, coming out in 2023 as part of a
collection being published by the Center for Western Studies at Augustana University.
I have also published on Americanization, immigrant politics in South Dakota, and
mountain lions and sport hunting.
Brief Bio
I was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, but grew up in Wilmington, Ohio. I graduated
from South Dakota State University in 1984, then received a M.A. in history from California
State University, Chico, in 1993, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming
in 1997. Prior to coming to SDSM&T in 2002, I taught for a couple of years at Northern
Michigan University. I enjoy the occasional outdoor activity, primarily hiking and
kayaking, playing pickleball, music, movies, TV shows, and enduring season after season
of Cincinnati Reds baseball. My wife, Janet, is a realtor and jewelry maker. Our daughter,
Maya, is a Ph.D candidate at the University of Chicago.
Teaching
I have taught the survey courses on Western Civilization and US History at SDSM&T
since 2002. In addition, I teach upper-level courses on Westward Expansion, Environmental
History of the US, and Environmental Law and Policy.
Course Listing