Charlie Brown, Batman and American history all connect in the life, work and teachings of Dr. Blake Scott Ball, an associate professor of history at the University of North Alabama.

A Muscle Shoals native, Ball has long been passionate about pop culture, comics and history—interests he has channeled into academic research, two books, speaking engagements and relatable teachings. In 2024, he happily returned to his home community to teach at his undergrad alma mater.

His approach exemplifies a style of teaching and mentorship that students won’t find anywhere else, and there’s no place he’d rather be, either.

Keep reading to learn about Ball’s work and how it shapes students’ experiences at UNA today.

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