Professor Emily Conroy-Krutz has been named President-Elect of the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic (SHEAR), a leading organization dedicated to the study of United States history from 1776 to 1861. Her term as President will begin in July 2027.
Established in 1977, SHEAR brings together scholars, students, and public historians to advance the study of the early American republic. The organization fosters research and collaboration across the field while promoting the broad public understanding of early U.S. history through scholarship, teaching, and public engagement.
“It’s an honor to serve the organization that has given me so much. SHEAR has been my scholarly home ever since I first attended as a graduate student,” said Dr. Conroy-Krutz.
“In these difficult times for the study of history, SHEAR is stepping up for our field and our members. Our DEI Fellowship program supports the work of young scholars telling new stories about the early American republic in all its complexity and diversity. Our Civics Initiative brings our members’ expertise to a public eager for trusted information. Our mentorship programs help our members find the advice, support, and community that they need to thrive. SHEAR is a beacon.”
As President, Dr. Conroy-Krutz will play a key leadership role in shaping the organization’s direction. The position includes presiding over meetings of the Advisory Council and the Society, guiding organizational priorities, overseeing elections and governance processes, and delivering a presidential address at the conclusion of her term. The President also works closely with committees and helps support the Society’s ongoing initiatives and programs.
“Emily Conroy-Krutz is one of the leading scholars of her generation of American religious history and United States foreign relations,” said Michael Stamm, chair and professor in MSU’s Department of History. “Her expertise on these subjects, and others, in early American history make her a terrific fit for leadership in SHEAR. I know that she’ll do a tremendous job serving the organization.”
Dr. Conroy-Krutz is a historian of the global history of nineteenth-century America, with interests in American empire and the international dimensions of religion and reform. She is the author of two books, Christian Imperialism: Converting the World in the Early American Republic (Cornell, 2015) and Missionary Diplomacy: Religion and Nineteenth-Century American Foreign Relations (Cornell, 2024).
At MSU, Dr. Conroy-Krutz teaches courses on American foreign relations, women’s history, revolutionary America, religion, and legal history. She also serves as the undergraduate honors advisor and mentors students in MSU’s History Scholars program, supporting the next generation of historians.