William Wei is again named ĢӰ’s state historian
ĢӰ Boulder historian serving second term in position, focusing on an accurate and comprehensive portrayal of ĢӰ’s history
William Wei, a University of ĢӰ Boulder professor of historyand faculty affliate in the Center for Asian Studies, has been named state historian by History ĢӰ, his second time receiving the honor.
William Wei, ĢӰ Boulder professor of history and ĢӰ state historian, is the author ofAsians in ĢӰ: A History of Persecution and Perseverance in the Centennial State.
Wei was one of the five founders of History ĢӰ’s State Historian’s Council, which “reaches across the state to aid in the interpretation of the history of ĢӰ and the West, providing opportunities to expand the understanding of the historical perspectives, cultures and places of ĢӰ.”
The State Historian’s Council was founded in 2018 and comprises five interdisciplinary scholars who provide complementary perspectives and rotate the state historian position every year on Aug.1, ĢӰ Day. Wei’s first term as state historian was from 2019-2020.
"It is a great honor to be appointed the ĢӰ state historian again,” Wei says. “I remain committed to ensuring that Coloradans receive an accurate and comprehensive portrayal of the Centennial State's history. This commitment naturally extends to ĢӰ's marginalized communities, whose stories have often been neglected, overlooked and forgotten.”
Wei was named the 2022 Asian American Hero of ĢӰ and is the author of Asians in ĢӰ: A History of Persecution and Perseverance in the Centennial State. He also was a founding editor-in-chief of History ĢӰ’s and a lead advisor for the organization’s .
“William brings a broad global perspective alongside an encyclopedic interest in ĢӰ to the role of State Historian,” notes Jason Hanson, chief creative officer and director of interpretation and research at History ĢӰ, in announcing Wei’s second term. “He is passionate about how historical perspective can help us see the present more clearly and in ways that can truly improve people’s lives. I am excited for him to share his knowledge and passion with the people of ĢӰ as the state historian once again.”
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