DANBURY, CONN. — Accomplished professors work with students throughout the university. In early 2017, three professors from different disciplines at Western Connecticut State University each published a book. All three use their research in the classroom, as well, bringing history and current affairs to life.

Dr. Kevin Gutzman, a professor of History & Non-Western Cultures, wrote “Thomas Jefferson — Revolutionary: A Radical’s Struggle to Remake America.” The book looks at five areas of Jefferson’s activities and scholarship, examining both his profound shortcomings and his great accomplishments. Jefferson was so involved in the founding of the country, Gutzman writes, that the effects of his work are still experienced by every American every day.

Lionel Bascom wrote “Harlem: The Crucible of Modern African American Culture,” documenting the enormous influence that a small neighborhood in New York exerted on the arts and politics of the United States. Bascom shows that when black intellectuals were minimized in other parts of the country, they came to Harlem, where they created the big ideas of the Civil Rights Movement.

Dr. Christopher Kukk wrote “The Compassionate Achiever: How Helping Others Fuels Success.” The book grew out of a 2012 visit of the Dalai Lama to WestConn. Kukk was asked to work with students to create a lasting tribute to the event. The result was the WCSU Center for Compassion, Creativity and Innovation, which Kukk directs. Kukk showed that new research in biology, neuroscience and economics has found that compassion — recognizing a problem or caring about another’s pain and making a commitment to help — not only improves others’ lives, it can transform our own.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.