Published May 1, 2026
CAPTION: Dr. Chris Blackburn (left) is a Professor of History at ULM. His wife, Ewa Blackburn (right), is an Adjunct History Instructor and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at ULM.
MONROE, La. – Husband and wife Dr. Chris Blackburn and Ewa Blackburn have once again been awarded
scholarships for advanced language study by the prestigious Polish National Agency
for Academic Exchange (NAWA). Dr. Blackburn is a Professor of History in the ULM College
of Arts, Education, and Sciences. Ewa Blackburn, a graduate of the ULM M.A. program
in History, serves as an Adjunct History Instructor and is an Ed.D. Candidate in Curriculum
and Instruction at ULM.
Funded under the NAWA Summer Courses program, the scholarship provides for all instruction,
accommodation, full board, and a stipend. This summer, the Blackburns will attend
the School of Polish Language and Culture at the University of Silesia in Katowice,
Poland. The intensive, in-person program operates seven days a week with a rigorous
schedule of classes, lectures, and cultural events.
“I was happy to learn that the Blackburns have been invited to further their studies
in Poland,” said Dr. Jeffrey Anderson, Director of the ULM History program. “Their
record as scholars and instructors speaks for itself, and it is great to see them
honored in a way that will also help them further hone their language skills and research.”
Established in 2017, NAWA is dedicated to fostering international collaboration and
promoting Polish language and culture abroad. These efforts are designed to enhance
the international standing of Polish academic institutions and researchers. In addition
to their formal language studies, the Blackburns plan to utilize their time in Poland
to conduct archival research in both Warsaw and Katowice.
This marks the second year that the Blackburns have been chosen by NAWA to study in
Poland. You can read more about their first experience here: ULM professor and wife awarded NAWA scholarships.