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Washington State University
CAS Connect February 2014

In memory of Scott Stratton, instructor of history

The College of Arts and Sciences lost a dear friend and colleague in the Department of History when Scott Stratton died unexpectedly earlier this month.He was an expert in American history from the Civil War through the 1960s.

Scott Stratton
Scott Stratton

“Scott was an especially friendly, approachable, and helpful colleague, always glad to assist the department in any way possible,” said Raymond Sun, chair. “We will miss his passion for history, his love of teaching, and his down-to-earth, collegial spirit.”

Scott taught upper-division courses about the American Civil War and American popular culture and a seminar on the 1960s counterculture era. He had recently begun teaching a course about historical memory and legacy studies relative to the 50th anniversary of the John F. Kennedy assassination.

“During the five years that Scott was with the department, he covered the full range of courses, from survey lectures for freshmen to research seminars for graduating seniors. He was, in the very best sense of the term, our ‘utility infielder’ for undergraduate teaching in American history—versatile, reliable, and effective,” Sun said. “His student evaluations and full classroom enrollments showed that students also recognized and respected his broad expertise and his willingness to share his enthusiasm for history.”

Scott grew up in Pullman and earned his doctoral degree in Early and Modern U.S. and Public History at Arizona State University–Tempe in 2007. He continued a proud tradition of teaching history at WSU, following the example of his father, Professor Emeritus David Stratton.

Scott is survived by his father, his brother, Michael Stratton, and his sister, Nancy Stratton Hall. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m. in the Lewis Alumni Centre, WSU Pullman.

Gifts in Scott’s honor may be made to a scholarship fund being established in his name. Details will be posted soon on the history department website.

To the WSU Family,

Professor Scott Stratton was a very inspirational man.I could tell from the first time we spoke, my son’s freshman year. He was the only one to bring my son out of his shell, by telling him the benefits of being more outspoken. His words were so encouraging and helpful, Cameron will never forget them. I’m sad to say he’s gone physically, but his dedication and strong spirit continues to linger around those who knew him. I say God has called home another angel. Our job here on earth is to encourage and change lives. He did that one student at a time. We are all blessed to have known such a dedicated man.

—The Ross Family