Robert J. Conley

Robert J. Conley was the Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies at Western Carolina University's College of Arts and Sciences, serving from 2008 until his death in 2014. A registered member of the Cherokee Nation, he dedicated his career to preserving and promoting Cherokee culture. Born in Oklahoma, he earned a B.A. in Drama (1966) and M.A. in English (1968) from Midwestern University. Prior to WCU, he held roles including director of Indian studies at Bacone College, coordinator at Eastern Montana College, and instructorships at universities including Northern Illinois and the University of New Mexico. His literary contributions include over 80 books, blending historical narratives with fiction to explore Cherokee experiences. He founded the Tsalagi Institute to foster collaborations between WCU and Native American communities.

His research emphasized Cherokee history, cultural preservation, and Indigenous oral traditions. Awards highlighted his lifetime contributions to literature and scholarship, including the prestigious Owen Wister Award. Conley’s works span academic texts like *The Cherokee Nation: A History* and novels such as *War Woman*, reflecting his dual focus on rigorous scholarship and accessible storytelling. Survived by his wife and extended family, he remains a pivotal figure in Cherokee cultural revitalization efforts.