Academic Talk: The Wild West Then and Now

One Book One Broward 2027 (OBOB) will reflect on how individual courage and civic responsibility have inspired justice, resilience and grit across American history. Join Broward College faculty for an engaging academic exploration of Charles Portis’s classic western novel True Grit. This lecture connects the book’s frontier setting with contemporary themes that continue to shape American society. Professors from History, Political Science, and English will discuss how the novel reflects broader ideas about civic life, national identity, and the evolving mythology of the American West. Kari Hebert, Assistant Professor of Political Science, will examine concepts of civic responsibility and the workings of American government as reflected in frontier life. Billy Jones, Associate Professor of English, will explore the novel’s literary elements, narrative voice, and insights into the American experience. Dr. John Donovan, Associate Professor of History, will provide historical context on the frontier era and discuss how western storytelling influences modern perceptions of justice and resilience. A lively group discussion will follow the presentations. Dr. Billy Jones is a full-time professor of English at Broward College, where he has served since 2014. A proud South Florida native, he developed early passions for creative writing, journalism, literature, and theater. While pursuing his post-secondary education, he discovered his true calling in teaching. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, he spent eight years as a high school educator in Miami-Dade Public Schools, where he witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. Dr. Jones later earned a master’s degree in English education from FIU and a Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Barry University. Currently an associate professor at the Judson A. Samuels South Campus and Miramar West Center, he is a recipient of the Jan R. Cummings Endowed Teaching Chair in Critical Thinking. Dedicated to student success, Dr. Jones integrates technology, visual literacy, cross-disciplinary strategies, and co-curricular engagement to enrich learning in every classroom he leads. Kari Hebert is an Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Department of Social Behavioral Sciences and Human Services at Broward College, where she has taught government and international relations for 14 years. A former Navy intelligence officer, she brings a global perspective shaped by her undergraduate degree in international relations—with a minor in East European studies and Russian language—and her master’s degree in political science from the University of West Florida, focusing on comparative politics. Professor Hebert proudly serves at the Judson A. Samuels South Campus and is the recipient of the Bank of America III Endowed Teaching Chair. Her eight years of combined active and reserve Navy service inform her dedication to public leadership and civic responsibility. In her role as a higher education leader, Professor Hebert is committed to empowering Broward College students to engage with and influence local government policy, encouraging them to become informed, active participants in their communities. Dr. John Donovan, Associate Professor of History at Broward College’s North Campus, is the Stephen C. Barker Endowed Teaching Chair. With more than 30 years of teaching experience, he is known for his passionate, student-centered approach that brings history to life through music, media, storytelling, discussion, and innovative technologies such as AI, augmented reality, and mobile learning tools. Dr. Donovan holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Colorado–Colorado Springs and an M.A. in History from the University of Central Missouri. A retired United States Air Force veteran with 28 years of service, he has taught at multiple colleges and universities, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, since 1991. His academic work focuses on world and American history, especially the Cold War, and he has contributed to several historical anthologies on that era. His graduate research explored how Millennials understand information literacy and use library resources to conduct effective college-level research. One Book One Broward (January 2 – February 27, 2027) will reflect on how individual courage and civic responsibility have inspired justice, resilience, and grit across American history. Charles Portis’ classic western novel True Grit will inspire over 30 lively programs, including the program kick-off, an American West themed 9th Annual ArtLit (North Regional/Broward College), Moonlight Tales featuring stories and folk music from the American Frontier (Main Library), Daguerreotype Photography Workshop and Archival Tour (AARLCC), a historical panel (South Regional/Broward College), an art exhibition with sip & paint (West Regional), programs for resilience in aging, writing workshops, line dancing, film screenings, book discussions, and storytimes across all 36 library branches in celebration of America250. Participate by checking out the book or eBooks, and registering for an upcoming One Book One Broward program.