Courtney DeMayo Pugno

Courtney DeMayo Pugno grew up outside of Rochester, New York, and graduated from Hartwick College with a Bachelor’s degree in History in 2003. She earned her MA and PhD from the University of Houston in History, with a focus on Medieval Europe and a secondary field in world history, in 2010. After completing her graduate work, Courtney joined the Heidelberg University faculty as an Assistant Professor of History in 2010.

As a faculty member, Courtney taught a variety of courses on World and European history, and was named Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year in 2012 and received the Ream-Paradiso Distinguished Teaching Award in 2015. As a classroom instructor, Courtney focused on active and engaged pedagogy, emphasizing the critical thinking and effective writing skills that helped every student succeed inside and outside the classroom. As a scholar, Courtney's research focused on the relationship between education and state formation in Early Medieval Europe, evaluating the way educational institutions built networks that helped stabilize European kingdoms around the year 1000. She has published several peer reviewed articles and book chapters.

In addition to teaching, advising, and research, Courtney has served Heidelberg and her students in many different ways. She created Heidelberg’s Center for Teaching Excellence, and later merged the Center for Teaching Excellence with the Owen Academic and Career Success Center, creating a holistic Center for Teaching and Learning that supports both students and faculty. Courtney has written and secured over $3m in grant funds from private, state, and federal sources to support Heidelberg's students through scholarships and key investments in data infrastructure, student recruitment, and academic advising.

Courtney now serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, a position she has held since July 1, 2024.

Courses Taught
World Civilizations to 1650
World Civilizations Since 1650
Greco-Roman World
Medieval Europe
Renaissance and Reformation Europe
Modern Europe
History of England
History of Germany
Ancient East Asia
History and Politics of Modern East Asia
History and Politics of the Modern Middle East
The Historian's Craft
Seminar: Historical and Political Science Research and Interpretation

Expertise
Medieval European History, 500-1500 C.E.

Research Interests
Medieval European History, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Leadership and Higher Education Administration