Professor Emeritus William Hoisington awarded membership in the Order of Academic Palms
William Hoisington, Professor Emeritus in the Department of History has been awarded membership in the Ordre des Palmes académiques (Order of Academic Palms) at the rank of Chevalier, in recognition of his distinguished career as a historian of France and colonial Morocco
Professor Hoisington taught courses on French and French Colonial history at the University of Illinois for his entire professional career, from 1968 until his retirement in 2000, when he became professor emeritus of history. Over that span, he published four major books of French politics and culture, all of which appeared in both English and French, and some in Arabic as well. Many received major, international awards. The bestowal of membership in the Order of Academic Palms further recognizes Professor Hoisington was recognized as one of the leading historians of his generation on the subject French colonialism in Northern Africa.
According to the Order’s website, the French Academic Palms recognizes those who have rendered eminent service to French education and have contributed actively to the prestige of French culture. For those who are named and promoted in the Order of the French Academic Palms (l’Ordre des Palmes académiques), this esteemed distinction acknowledges their merits, talents, and exemplary activities.