Tim Schultz, Ph.D. 2007

Associate Dean of Academics, U.S. Naval War College – Newport, RI

2007 Ph.D., History (History of Technology with subfields of Military History and History of Medicine)

How has being a History graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"The exposure to world-class scholars was invaluable. It instilled a sense of what excellence looks like and motivated me to strive for that standard. It flung open several doors and windows for my career as well. Right or wrong, I've discovered that possessing a PhD matters, and earning one at Duke really matters."

What advice would you give students in Duke's History programs? 

"Sustain connections with a few mentors. Most professors will invest in your success if they sense you are leaning in, open-minded, and doing the work. Professors and your peers alike will respect humility, namely the realization that the more you expand your knowledge the more you will be in contact with how much you don't know. Importantly, be wary of political biases polluting your scholarly work. There can be an illiberal and doctrinaire mindset, even in the hallways and classrooms at Duke. Learn to recognize it and transcend it. If you're worried about aligning with the crowd and status quo then you're undermining your development as a professional scholar. Finally, signal generosity and humility instead of shrillness and reflexive bias on social media--hiring committees take note of such things."

Tim Schultz