Published May 1, 2026

CAPTION: Dr. Chris Blackburn (left) is a Professor of History at ULM. His wife, Ewa Blackburn (right), is an Adjunct History Instructor and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at ULM.  

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MONROE, La. – Husband and wife Dr. Chris Blackburn and Ewa Blackburn have once again been awarded scholarships for advanced language study by the prestigious Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA). Dr. Blackburn is a Professor of History in the ULM College of Arts, Education, and Sciences. Ewa Blackburn, a graduate of the ULM M.A. program in History, serves as an Adjunct History Instructor and is an Ed.D. Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at ULM. 
 
Funded under the NAWA Summer Courses program, the scholarship provides for all instruction, accommodation, full board, and a stipend. This summer, the Blackburns will attend the School of Polish Language and Culture at the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. The intensive, in-person program operates seven days a week with a rigorous schedule of classes, lectures, and cultural events. 

"I was happy to learn that the Blackburns have been invited to further their studies in Poland,” said Dr. Jeffrey Anderson, Director of the ULM History program. “Their record as scholars and instructors speaks for itself, and it is great to see them honored in a way that will also help them further hone their language skills and research." 

Established in 2017, NAWA is dedicated to fostering international collaboration and promoting Polish language and culture abroad. These efforts are designed to enhance the international standing of Polish academic institutions and researchers. In addition to their formal language studies, the Blackburns plan to utilize their time in Poland to conduct archival research in both Warsaw and Katowice. 

This marks the second year that the Blackburns have been chosen by NAWA to study in Poland. You can read more about their first experience here: ULM professor and wife awarded NAWA scholarships.