About
Greg O'Brien serves as Professor and Department Head of History at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where he has held leadership positions since 2008. He previously served as Professor of History at the University of Southern Mississippi (1998-2008) and as Visiting Professor of Native American Studies at Dartmouth College (2004). His academic leadership includes roles as Associate Head (2017-2019), Director of Graduate Studies (2010-2015), and Executive Editor of the Native South Journal (2013-2018).
O'Brien earned his Ph.D. in History from the University of Kentucky, M.A. in History from James Madison University, and B.A. in History with a Political Science minor from Randolph-Macon College. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to historical scholarship with particular regional focus.
As a leading scholar in ethnohistory and Southeastern Native American studies, O'Brien has established himself as a prominent authority on Choctaw history before the 1830s removal era. His research spans American environmental history (particularly in the South), the American Revolutionary period, and New Orleans history. O'Brien's work often explores the intersection of indigenous cultures with colonial and American political systems, examining how Native communities maintained sovereignty and cultural identity through periods of dramatic change.
His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on indigenous perspectives in Southern history, with particular attention to Choctaw political structures and cultural adaptation. O'Brien's scholarship reveals a pattern of challenging traditional historical narratives by centering Native voices and experiences, especially in his examination of pre-removal Choctaw society. His work on environmental history connects conservation ethics to broader social and political contexts in American history.
As an advisor, O'Brien has directed numerous graduate theses focusing on indigenous history, particularly concerning Cherokee, Choctaw, and Creek communities. His students' research consistently examines themes of sovereignty, cultural resilience, gender dynamics, and community politics in Native Southern history. His mentorship extends beyond UNCG to students from William & Mary, Appalachian State University, and other institutions.
O'Brien maintains active engagement with the Choctaw Nation, as evidenced by his 2020 interview with the Choctaw Nation Historic Preservation Office titled 'Pre-removal Choctaw History with Greg O'Brien.' This collaboration reflects his commitment to working with indigenous communities and incorporating their perspectives into academic historical discourse.
