About the Dean
Bob McMath is Dean of the Honors College and Professor of History at the University of Arkansas. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas and received his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1972. Between 1972 and 2005 he taught history and held a series of administrative posts at Georgia Tech, including chair of the history department and vice provost for undergraduate studies and academic affairs. In 1996 he was a Fulbright Lecturer in Italy. He received Georgia Tech’s highest teaching awards and in 2004 was named an honorary alumnus.
Since coming to the University of Arkansas in 2005 McMath has worked to strengthen the Honors College and promote a closer relationship among Honors programs in the schools and colleges. He is working with faculty members across the campus to launch new Honors initiatives, including the creation of new cross-disciplinary courses and research experiences. In the History Department he teaches Honors Colloquia and the U.S. history course and directs graduate and undergraduate research.
McMath is the author or co-author of numerous articles and seven books on American history. One book, American Populism, provides the script for a forthcoming PBS program hosted by Bill Moyers for which he is serving as consultant and commentator.
Bob’s wife Linda was for many years a teacher of mathematics and public school administrator in Georgia. She is involved in community affairs in Fayetteville and enjoys tennis, gardening, and painting. Their two grown children, David and Angela, live with their families in northern California. Bob and Linda have just published a historical travel guide to the eastern shore of Virginia and Maryland.