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Chase Stephens selected as Graduate School marshal for fall commencement

David Chase Stephens, a history doctoral candidate, has been selected as the Graduate School marshal for Auburn University’s fall commencement ceremony. This prestigious honor recognizes Chase’s exceptional academic achievements, research contributions and dedication to his field.

"It is such an honor to serve as the Graduate School marshal for my final graduation as a student. My time on the Plains has been a wonderful experience filled with amazing friends and mentors, great interactions with students in the classroom, many cups of coffee consumed and even surviving one global pandemic,” Stephens said. “I will look back fondly on my time as a student at Auburn, and to finish it as the marshal makes it even more sentimental. Thank you for this, and as always, War Eagle."

Born in Louisiana, Chase received his bachelor’s in history from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 2017 and his master’s in history from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2019. He began his studies at Auburn University in fall 2019, where he developed a focus on labor history and the history of Southern law enforcement.

Chase’s groundbreaking research on resistance to integration efforts within the Alabama State Troopers has garnered widespread recognition. In 2023, he was honored with the Bert Hitchcock Graduate Award in Southern Studies and the Wayne Flynt Endowed Graduate Research Award in Alabama History and Culture, highlighting his contributions to Southern historical scholarship.

"It has been a privilege to serve as Chase's advisor during his time in our history doctoral program. I will miss our weekly chats about history, politics and pretty much anything under the sun," said Jennifer Brooks, professor of history. “In his research, teaching and mentorship, Chase embodies many elements of our Auburn University Creed, but especially the dedication to hard work and the value of education. We are very proud of his accomplishments and excited to follow his journey as he leaves Auburn University as a professional historian and scholar.”

Following graduation, Chase and his fiancée will celebrate with a trip to Disney World. Looking ahead, Chase plans to work in higher education, where he will continue teaching and mentoring future scholars while advancing his research. He is currently adapting his dissertation into a book for publication, further solidifying his impact on the field of Southern law enforcement history.

Please join us in congratulating Chase Stephens on this well-earned honor and wishing him continued success in his academic journey and beyond!

Tags: Students History