Tyler Brown. Photo by Adrianna Varner
Tyler Brown ’21 was awarded the 2021 Eckes Prize by the History Department at Ohio University, and he has high praise for the Zanesville campus faculty who got him interested in majoring in history.
The Eckes Prize is given annually to the graduating senior with the highest grade point average in the History Department. Dr. Alfred Eckes Jr., a retired Ohio Eminent Research Scholar and former chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission, established this prize. He taught courses in the History Department from 1990 to 2010. The Eckes Prize is intended to honor and reward outstanding achievement in history at the undergraduate level. The prize includes a $5,000 cash award.
Q: Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
A. I want to thank every professor whose class I attended during my time at Ohio University. They all have helped shape my future in so many positive ways. I must give special thanks to the History Department at Ohio University Zanesville, particularly Professors Korcaighe Hale and Morten Bach, as they were the ones who recruited me into the program.
I was originally an Integrated Social Studies major, but after discussions with Professor Hale and Bach, I felt that it was the best option to pursue a major in History instead, and I know that it was the right decision for me. I would also like to give special thanks to Professor Lisa Haven, as she provided the assistance of me to acquire a minor in English alongside my major in History.
Q: What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
A. Probably the most difficult obstacle I had to overcome at Ohio University was breaking my non-social behaviors. I was very quiet my first year, but by forcing myself to participate in group activities and join a few clubs, I was able to do so.
Q: What are your favorite OHIO memories?
A. Some of my favorite memories of being at Ohio University were overseeing the Ohio University Zanesville Nerd Club and meeting the many new friends I met while a part of that organization. I also must thank Larry Tumblin for being a great adviser for the club as well.
Q: What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss?
A. My piece of advice for all incoming and returning Ohio University students is to join a club and make some new friends.
Q: What’s next for you after graduation?
A. As for my plans post-graduation, I am still figuring those out for myself. I would love to involve myself in the library or museum system, and maybe go for my master’s degree in the future. What I do know is that I feel prepared to face my future, and I must thank Ohio University for helping me do so.
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