Anna Munro Whitaker

History

Anna is an exceptional student who has represented the History Department with distinction in presenting her research at the Phi Alpha Theta National Conference and the Phi Alpha Theta State Regional Conference. She has also served as a Teaching Assistant for Dr. Margaret Venzke and an intern for Stetson Showcase in Spring 2023. Her senior thesis, "Nineteenth Century Ideals of Masculinity and Savagery: Adventure Piracy Works in Victorian Art and Literature" comprised an analysis of how the characteristics of "true manliness" have been prevalent themes within pirate fictional works such as Treasure Island and Peter Pan. While some historians have addressed how masculinity has been depicted within Victorian popular culture, her senior thesis went further by not only evaluating fictional texts but also pirate illustrations created by Howard Pyle and N.C. Wyeth. Her objective was ultimately to demonstrate that nineteenth century pirate adventure literary and illustration works in Britain and the United States were a feature of the Victorian "Cult of Masculinity." Professors have praised Anna for being "consistently committed deeply to her education," for "showing great intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning," for being "very intellectually hungry" and for her "outstanding work ethic and analytical ability."

Academic organizations: Phi Alpha Theta (the national History honor society) and the Stetson Honors Program 

 Post-graduation plans: Graduate school after taking a brief hiatus to further explore her passion for traveling, teaching and art through working and interning.