Tom Isern, University Distinguished Professor of history and director of the Center for Heritage Renewal, has received the Spirit of the Plains Award from the Friends of the Plains group associated with the Center for Great Plains Studies at Emporia State University, Emporia, Kan. The presentation was made by James F. Hoy, director of the center, during the organization’s annual banquet April 18.

“It was a complete surprise to me when I was called to the podium to receive the center's award for contributions to the study of the Great Plains,” Isern said. “This is only the fifth presentation of the award, and the first to a party outside the Emporia State University organization.”

Isern was active in the group during his time on the faculty of Emporia State University from 1979 to 1991.

Isern's research and teaching involves the history and folklore of the Great Plains, his research and teaching comprising both the American plains and the Canadian prairies. He is the author or co-author of six books, including “Dakota Circle: Excursions on the True Plains.” In addition, he writes a weekly newspaper column called “Plains Folk.”

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.