Michael B. Stoff, associate professor of history at The University of Texas at Austin, will lead the nationally recognized Plan II Honors Program in the College of Liberal Arts. The distinguished teaching professor has been interim director since 2006.
“Plan II is the crown jewel of the College of Liberal Arts and one of the most innovative and successful honors programs in the United States,” Randy Diehl, dean of the college, said. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Stoff as director because he brings a deep understanding of the core curriculum and students’ needs. I look forward to working with him to expand the reach and excellence of the honors program.”
Founded in 1935, Plan II is a challenging, interdisciplinary honors program, which includes the study of literature, philosophy, society, the arts, mathematics and natural sciences. With freedom to cross intellectual and disciplinary boundaries, Plan II students explore subjects ranging from the humanities and ancient poetry to the latest discoveries in physics and cosmology.
The program has more than 5,600 alumni, including Ramsey Clark, former U.S. attorney general under President Lyndon B. Johnson; Betty Sue Flowers, director of the LBJ Library and Museum; politician Richard “Kinky” Friedman; and Austin Ligon, founder and former chief executive officer of Carmax, Inc.
Stoff studies modern American history, World War II and the presidency. He is co-editor of the Oxford University Press series, “New Narratives in American History.” He has earned research grants and fellowships from the Ford Foundation and the university.
Since joining the faculty in 1979, Stoff has directed the honors and graduate programs in history, taught courses for the Normandy Scholars Program on World War II and earned numerous teaching awards. In 2008, the Organization of American Historians named him a Distinguished Lecturer.
His publications include “Oil, War, and American Security: The Search for a National Policy on Foreign Oil, 1941-1947,” “The Manhattan Project: A Documentary Introduction to the Atomic Age,” “Nation of Nations: A Narrative History of the American Republic” and “American Journey: The Quest for Liberty.” Stoff’s current book project will address the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
Stoff holds a doctor’s degree in history from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College. He has taught at Yale and at summer institutes sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities at Bard and Vassar colleges.
Learn more about the Plan II Honors Program.
