Associate Professor of History Dr. Mark Wallace was recently accepted into U.K.’s Royal Historical Society (RHS), joining the approximate 10 percent of U.S. “fellows” in the society.

Established in 1868, RHS is a voluntary organization made up over 3,000 historians and scholars. According to RHS, to be accepted, a candidate must have made “an original contribution to historical scholarship.” Wallace met this requirement with his work studying the Scottish Enlightenment and the publication of his book The Great Transformation: Scottish Freemasonry 1725-1810.

Joining the society offers several benefits to not only Wallace but also Lyon students.

“This network will allow me to put students interested in research opportunities in contact with historians and academics who potentially will further assist them in their academic endeavors,” he said. “For example, I am supervising a student as part of an honors contract, and the work that my colleagues are doing is relevant to her interests. Ultimately, I want to encourage collaboration among students and established academics in an effort to give students experience in working with others who are passionate about history and can provide avenues for further research.”

For Wallace, he may now use the distinction “FRHistS” at the end of his title. He will also be able to connect with fellow historians who share his interests.

“There are also opportunities for funding and research through the society,” he added. “So, the resulting exposure to new ideas and areas of research would be available to myself and, as an extension, Lyon College.”

Wallace is also honored by the recognition the distinction entails.

“It signifies the acceptance of my work by an academy and my colleagues, and the respect with which my work is viewed,” explained Wallace. “I am very honored to have been nominated by Professor Andrew Prescott at the University of Glasgow, and deemed by my peers to meet the standards of admission as a fellow to the RHS. I look forward to contributing more to my field, and to the Royal Historical Society as well.”