Dr. Ronald Naugle is honored for professional longevity with his skills and expertise in American government and history. Originally intending to go into the field of engineering, it was during his time as an undergraduate at Purdue University that he found his true calling in history. He graduated from the institution with a Bachelor of Arts in American government and politics from Purdue in 1964. He continued at the university to receive a Master of Arts in American history in 1966. Demonstrating his love and passion for the subject, he later received a PhD in American studies at the University of Kansas in 1976.

Dr. Naugle spent more than four decades as an educator, launching his teaching career as an instructor of history at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1966. He remained at the university throughout his career, working as an assistant professor, professor, Huge-Kinne Endowed Chairman of History, Chairman of the Graduate Program, Director of the Historical Studies Graduate Program and Chairman of the Department of History. He retired in 2004, achieving the honorable professor emeritus title after his years of dedicated service. In his career, Dr. Naugle served as a representative of the Mountain-Plains States Coordinators with the Executive Committee of State Coordinators. He directed the Nebraska Summer Institute for High School History and Social Studies Teachers from 1991 to 2006. He was a co-coordinator for the “We the People” for High School History and Social Studies Students. He was the state coordinator for the National History Day in the state of Nebraska from 1985 to 2005. In addition, he has served as an associate fellow of the Center for Great Plains Center.