Columbus State University
Hallock Endowment for Military History
Established in 2010, the Col. Richard R. Hallock Endowment for Military History has positioned Columbus State University as a nationally recognized destination for students, historians and members of the Chattahoochee Valley community interested in deepening their understanding of the military, those who serve in it, its role in the world, and its place in U.S. culture.
Community Programming
Each year, the Hallock Endowment sponsors lectures and panel discussions organized around a particular theme related to military history and U.S. foreign policy. Each of these includes internationally recognized experts, award-winning scholars, military leaders and policymakers. Our past events have included the 2023 Iraq War Symposium (in collaboration with the Columbus-based National Infantry Museum), our 2023-24 series “The United States and the Republic of Korea Since 1950,” and the 2024-25 series on “The United States in the Final Year of World War II.”
News
Annual Hallock lecture series to focus on 50th anniversary of Vietnam War’s conclusion
August 28, 2025
A year-long series of upcoming seminars aims to shed light on the United States’ role in the Vietnam War in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of its conclusion in 1975.
Internships important to strengthening classroom learning for history students
August 5, 2025
Thanks to generous donor support and strong community partnerships, Columbus State University history students are gaining hands-on experience this summer through fully funded internships at nationally recognized military museums.
Columbus State University Military History Archives Expand with Major Collection Arrival
July 2, 2025
CSU’s Hallock Endowment for Military History, acquired the papers and artifacts from John O. Marsh, who was secretary of the Army from 1981-1989.
Spring Hallock Endowment lectures to spotlight World War II, Civil War
January 10, 2025
Under Dr. David Kieran’s leadership, the Hallock Endowment lecture series has deepened Columbus State’s expertise in military history and the study of war, the military and U.S. culture.
Kieran selected for prestigious Army War College teaching fellowship
August 12, 2024
Dr. David Kieran of the Department of History, Geography & Philosophy will spend the 2024-25 academic year as the Harold Keith Johnson Chair at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Research Resources
In partnership with the Hallock Endowment, Columbus State’s Archives & Special Collections is deepening its military history resources for use by academic scholars and military historians. The collection includes the papers of former Secretary of the Army John O. Marsh, Army social work officer James Martin, Army defense analyst Pierre Sprey, and personal papers and correspondence by several other retired military officers and soldiers that document their service domestically and in wartime theaters that include the Civil War, both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. Learn more
Support the Hallock Endowment
The endowment funds the COL. Richard R. Hallock Distinguished Chair in Military History; academic programs in the Department of History, Geography & Philosophy; and lectures and symposia open to historians and others. Contributions to the Hallock Endowment help support public programming that brings nationally recognized speakers to Columbus, opportunities for students to engage in research, internships and travel that enhance students' knowledge of military history, and the growing military history collection in the university’s Archives & Special Collections.
About Col. Hallock
Col. Richard R. Hallock, a decorated World War II parachutist, earned 27 military honors, including a Silver Star and five Bronze Stars. During his distinguished career at the Pentagon, he tirelessly championed the interests of American soldiers, notably leading the decade-long effort for the U.S. Army to adopt the M-16 rifle. After retiring in 1967 from 25 years of active service, he advised Defense Secretary James Schlesinger and consulted on political-military affairs. Hallock also achieved entrepreneurial success with his Intrec and Quaestor corporations, specializing in management consulting and real estate. His legacy continues through the foundation bearing his name, established with his wife Myriam Johnston Hallock, which generously established the Hallock Endowment at Columbus State.
Learn more
For additional information, sign up for the Hallock Endowment’s e-newsletter, email hallockendowment@columbusstate.edu or contact:
Dr. David Kieran
Col. Richard R. Hallock Distinguished Chair in Military History and
Associate Professor Department of History, Geography & Philosophy
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