Meet the Charlie Brown scholar + professor who makes history fun

ByLisa Battles
LAST UPDATED11/21/25

Reading time: 1 minute

Sponsored

Associate Professor of History Dr. Blake Scott Ball holds his book, Charlie Brown's America, which is displayed within Willingham Hall at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama — UNA Associate Professor of History Dr. Blake Scott Ball and his book, “Charlie Brown’s America: The Popular Politics of Peanuts.” (Ben Johnson / Bham Now)

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.

Sponsored by:

Facebook LinkedIn Tweet

Lisa Battles

Lisa is a content strategist, editor and writer with 25+ years of experience in news, marketing and PR for leading brands in tourism, economic development, media and music. She is a journalism graduate of Auburn University.

Articles: 59