Ryan Schilling, history instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston Campus, has been chosen as the 2019 Mississippi Humanities Council Instructor of the Year. Schilling, who has taught at the college for nine years, will represent the college at the state awards in April 2019.

The Humanities Teacher Awards recognize the contributions of humanities faculty at each of the state’s colleges and universities in the fields of English, History, Music, Art and Philosophy. Nominations are made by the college or university president, vice president, or dean of instruction. Each award recipient is required to prepare and deliver a public lecture.

As part of the award, Schilling presented “The Dangers of Informing: The Suppression of Journalism from a Historical and Contemporary Perspective” on February 7 at the Perkinston Campus.  The talk explored the dangers facing journalists, the free press around the world, and the history of legal protections of journalism.  He discussed the state of the media in numerous countries, including China, North Korea, Russia and Turkey.

“I am honored to receive the Mississippi Humanities Council Instructor of the Year Award,” Schilling said. “I have always admired the invaluable role that the Humanities Council plays in bringing history and cultural events to all parts of our state.  Furthermore, I am thankful for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where I enjoy teaching subjects that I am passionate about and have the privilege to share that passion with students in a very supportive educational environment.”

Schilling, who was raised in Magnolia, Mississippi, currently resides in Hattiesburg.  He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and sociology and a Master of Arts degree in history from The University of Southern Mississippi.