Meet Professor Walter Lorenz: The New Middle East and North Africa History Professor at EMU
By Charlotte Slomkowski, MA in History student
In Fall 2024, Professor Walter Lorenz joined the EMU History Section as its newest faculty member. Professor Lorenz holds a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Georgia State University, an M.A. in History and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in History from the University of California at Los Angeles.
This year, Professor Lorenz is teaching HIST 109: World History to 1500, HIST 300W: Researching and Writing History, HIST 479F: Topics in Middle Eastern History, and HIST 543: Studies in Modern Middle East History. He published an article in The Journal of World History in 2023, and he is currently working on his first book Ottoman Settlerism: Empire, Migration, and Settler Colonialism in Late Ottoman Libya.
I had the opportunity to interview Professor Lorenz to learn more about him, his work, and his own experiences.
Dr. Fredrick Walter Lorenz
Slomkowski: Can you tell us about your current research interests and what excites you most about them?
Lorenz: I’m really fascinated by the relationship between migration and state-making. My research explores how migrants, refugees, and exiles weren’t just passive figures in history; they were key players in shaping empires and, later, nation-states.
Right now, I’m working on a book that examines how communities of refugees and exiles helped connect the Middle East to North Africa through political, commercial, and social networks. This work has given me a deep appreciation for the ways movement and settlement shape history. It also offers a fresh perspective on how people—not just governments—contribute to world-making across the nineteenth, twentieth, and even twenty-first centuries.
Slomkowski: What do you think is the most exciting development in your field right now?
Lorenz: One of the most exciting developments in the field right now is the growing focus on transimperial and transnational approaches to history, especially in relation to migration. More and more scholars are moving beyond national and imperial boundaries to explore how global connections—whether through trade, politics, or migration—have shaped historical processes.
For me, this is particularly thrilling because it opens up new ways to understand the history of the Middle East and North Africa, not as isolated regions, but as interconnected parts of a larger global story. It also brings underrepresented voices—those of migrants and refugees—into the conversation, offering fresh insights into how empires, nation-states, and communities were formed.
This shift is reshaping how we think about historical change, highlighting the role of everyday people in global transformations, which I find incredibly exciting and full of potential for new research.
Slomkowski: What drew you to your field of research?
Lorenz: I’ve always been fascinated by how and why people move, whether because of conflict, opportunity, or survival, and how these movements shape the world. Growing up in diverse places, studying languages, and learning about different cultures sparked my interest in understanding the global connections that define our history.
When I started studying the Middle East and North Africa, I realized how migration and displacement were central to shaping global empires and nation-states: how refugees, exiles, and migrants played crucial roles in those transformations. That realization was the turning point for me. I became passionate about exploring the untold stories of these populations and how their experiences intersected with broader political, social, and economic shifts.
What really excites me is that migration isn’t just about movement; it’s about agency, resilience, and the ways that communities help shape the world around them.
Slomkowski: What attracted you to EMU, and how do you see yourself contributing to the campus community?
Lorenz: One of the things I appreciate most about Eastern Michigan University is its diversity. As a historian of migration and someone who studies the Middle East and North Africa, I see our diverse student body as a real strength, bringing unique perspectives and experiences that enrich our understanding of the world.
I love being part of a community where students have so much to contribute, and I’m especially excited about my work with the CAS Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Whether it’s event planning or creating forums for student voices to be heard, I enjoy supporting initiatives that foster dialogue and inclusion on campus.
Slomkowski: What is one thing most students might not know about you?
Lorenz: One thing students might not realize about me is my passion for languages. I’ve studied more than fifteen languages, and I love bringing that into my courses, whether it’s introducing students to new scripts, writing on the board in different languages, or showing how language shapes history.
For me, learning languages and traveling abroad have been transformative experiences. They’ve shaped how I see the world, and I enjoy sharing that perspective with my students. Hopefully, it will inspire them to explore new languages and cultures, too.
Slomkowski: What’s the best piece of advice you would give to a college student?
Lorenz: College is the perfect time to step outside your comfort zone—whether that means learning a new language, studying abroad, or diving into a subject that sparks your curiosity. At Eastern, there are so many opportunities to explore different career paths and gain a deeper understanding of the world.
Take advantage of those opportunities! The experiences you have now will shape your perspective in ways you might not even realize yet. Embrace the journey! It’ll be one of the most rewarding adventures you embark on.