Independence Community College (ICC) is proud to announce that Dr. Isaias McCaffery, Professor of History, has been awarded the esteemed Edgar Langsdorf Award of Excellence by the Kansas State Historical Foundation. This prestigious honor recognizes Dr. McCaffery’s 2024 article published in Kansas History, which was judged as the "most superior" article of the year based on criteria such as construction, evidence of research, and its contribution to advancing historical knowledge.
Dr. McCaffery’s article sheds light on the harassment faced by Kansas women in public spaces from the territorial era through the early twentieth century. His research spans the experiences of women across the state—from small villages to urban centers—and highlights the ongoing social challenges faced by women across generations.
“I feel very honored to receive this award,” said Dr. McCaffery. “My article, published in Kansas History, was judged by the Kansas State Historical Foundation to be most superior, considering construction, evidence of research, and contribution to the advancement of knowledge. The piece examines the harassment of Kansas women in public spaces from territorial days through the early twentieth century. This social problem has affected generations of women in small villages, medium-sized towns, and our urban metropolises—including my own stepmom, wife, daughter, and the students who I see in my classroom every day.”
Taylor Crawshaw, ICC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, also expressed pride in Dr. McCaffery’s achievement. “We are incredibly proud of Dr. McCaffery for receiving the Edgar Langsdorf Award,” Crawshaw stated. “His dedication to historical research and his commitment to addressing important social issues have enriched our college and the broader academic community. Dr. McCaffery’s work exemplifies the high standard of scholarship and teaching that we value at ICC, and we are thrilled to see his contributions recognized in this way.”
Dr. McCaffery’s achievement not only brings recognition to ICC but also highlights the college's commitment to impactful scholarship and thought leadership. The award was presented at the Kansas State Historical Foundation’s Annual Meeting on November 1st in Topeka, KS.