Charles Reagan Wilson

Charles Reagan Wilson served as the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Chair of History and Professor of Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi from 1981 to 2014. He directed the Southern Studies academic program (1991–1998) and the Center for the Study of Southern Culture (1998–2007). His work focuses on Southern religion, history, and culture, with notable contributions to understanding the Confederacy’s legacy, modern Southern faiths, and regional identity.

Education:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso
• PhD in History from the University of Texas at Austin

Research Interests: Wilson explores the intersection of religion, memory, and culture in the U.S. South. His studies on the Lost Cause mythology, popular religion, and regional identity have shaped scholarly discourse. He has authored influential works such as Baptized in Blood and co-edited the Encyclopedia of Southern Culture, which won the Dartmouth Prize.

Awards:

• Winner of the Dartmouth Prize (1989) for the Encyclopedia of Southern Culture

Advising & Leadership: Wilson mentored numerous graduate students and led major academic initiatives at the University of Mississippi. His editorial leadership includes the 24-volume New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture and projects on religion and regionalism.

Labs/Teams: His work is closely tied to the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and the Southern Studies program, fostering interdisciplinary research and cultural documentation.