Rebekah Mergenthal named Benson Family Chair in History
Image: Rebekah M. K. Mergenthal, Department Chair of History and newly appointed Benson Chair in History (PLU Photo / Sy Bean).
By Britt Board
Assistant Director of Communications
Associate Professor of History Rebekah Mergenthal has been appointed as the next Benson Family Chair in History, effective Fall 2026.
Since its creation in 2004, the Benson Chair position has supported faculty leadership in business and economic history through endowed funding that advances student research, innovative course development, and public-facing scholarship across the university. Rooted in Dale and Jolita Benson’s vision, the chair position was created to give students opportunities to understand the political, social, and philosophical contexts that shape economic history and its impact on the world today.
Mergenthal notes that the appointment aligns deeply with her commitments as a historian and educator. “It’s an amazing opportunity to expand my role at PLU and contribute to the community here in deeper ways,” Mergenthal says. “This position enables me to showcase the study of history, which can crucially help us understand how we got where we are, and where we can go from here.”
This position enables me to showcase the study of history, which can crucially help us understand how we got where we are, and where we can go from here.
A historian with a focus on the U.S. West, Mergenthal shares her enthusiasm for new curricular offerings that will come from this position. “I am particularly excited to develop a course on U.S. immigration history, a topic that has fundamentally shaped and continues to shape the political economy and society of this country. By exploring both immigration policy and the work of immigrants themselves, students will be able to better understand the changes and continuities that have shaped the U.S.”
Mergenthal, who has worked closely with past Benson Fellows, said the longstanding student research program will continue to be central to her work. “I have previously been involved as faculty advisor in several Benson Summer Research projects, and seen firsthand how students can develop rich and insightful research with this support,” she says. “As the Benson Chair, I hope to continue to broaden the range of students who can benefit from this fellowship and enhance their credentials for graduate school and the world of work.”
Provost Joanna Gregson said the appointment strengthens PLU’s mission-driven academic distinctiveness. “Dr. Mergenthal’s vision supports the university’s goal of creating high-impact, ethically informed, and responsive educational programs.” Gregson adds, “Endowed chairships provide dedicated resources for course development, student research fellowships, public-facing events, and scholarship.”
As Mergenthal looks toward stepping into the role, she returns to the heart of her approach, noting, “Everyone and everything has a past, and understanding how people’s lives have been shaped and the choices they’ve made can help us cultivate empathy.”