Dr. Jannelle Legg, G-鈥�11, an assistant professor in the History program in the School of Arts and Humanities, has been awarded the Robert W. Prichard Prize by the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church. This triennial prize recognizes the best Ph.D., Th.D., or D.Phil. dissertation which considers the history of the Episcopal Church. It is named to honor the Rev. Dr. Robert W. Prichard, a noted historian and author in the discipline and a long-time board member and president of the Society. Applications are received and reviewed by a selection committee, with recipients determined by the HSES Board of Directors.

Legg鈥檚 dissertation, 鈥淲ith Eloquent Fingers He Preached: The Protestant Episcopal Mission To The Deaf,鈥� was submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in history at George Mason University. It explores the emergence of the Church Mission to Deaf Mutes (later the Conference of Church Workers Among the Deaf) in the second half of the 19th century. Largely organized by and for deaf people, this mission formed a network of signing congregations across the United States. The Episcopal Church was the first denomination to offer signed worship services in a church for deaf people.

In addition to teaching history, Dr. Legg holds a joint appointment with the Drs. John S. & Betty J. Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center. 

Congratulations!