Mark R. Cheathem

Mark R. Cheathem is a Professor of History and Project Director of The Papers of Martin Van Buren at Cumberland University. He holds degrees from Cumberland University (B.A.), Middle Tennessee State University (M.A.), and Mississippi State University (Ph.D.).

• University: Cumberland University
• School: The Millard and JJ Oakley School of Humanities, Education and the Arts
• Department: Presidential Papers, Martin Van Buren

Dr. Cheathem specializes in Jacksonian America, focusing on Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, and 19th-century political history. His research intersects Southern history with documentary editing, analyzing political campaigns, party formation, and the complexities of slavery in antebellum America.

His publications span 2002–2018, emphasizing Jacksonian era politics, Andrew Jackson's legacy, and documentary methodologies. Awards include the 2013 Tennessee History Book Award and the 2018 Phi Alpha Theta Best Subsequent Book Award.

• 2013 Tennessee History Book Award: 'Andrew Jackson, Southerner'
• 2018 Phi Alpha Theta Best Subsequent Book Award: 'The Coming of Democracy: Presidential Campaigning in the Age of Jackson'

Dr. Cheathem teaches courses including Jacksonian America, the American Presidency, Civil War America, and Conspiracy Theories in American History. Since 2015, he has led the digital and print edition project of Martin Van Buren's papers, housed in Cumberland University’s Vise Library. His work has been featured in international media outlets such as Le Monde and CTV-Toronto News, as well as national platforms like C-SPAN, PBS, and the Washington Post.