Jim C. Harper, II

Dr. Jim C. Harper, II is a Professor of History and Associate Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where he has been employed for over two decades. He also serves as a faculty affiliate with the Samuel Dubois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University. A native of Mount Olive, North Carolina, Dr. Harper served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing his academic career.

His educational background includes a B.A. (1994) and M.A. (1997) in History from North Carolina Central University, and a Ph.D. in History from Howard University (2004). Dr. Harper previously served as Department Chair for over a decade at NCCU.

Dr. Harper's research focuses on African American and African history, with particular expertise in education history, oral history, public history, and social equity. His work examines the connections between Western education and resistance movements in Africa, African diaspora studies, and the role of Black fraternities in American society. He approaches history through both traditional academic scholarship and public history projects that engage broader communities.

His scholarly output reveals consistent focus on African American educational history, Kenyan independence movements, and the African diaspora. His recent work increasingly incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, connecting historical scholarship with contemporary social issues, particularly regarding racial equity and educational access.

• University of North Carolina System's Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award
• North Carolina Central University Excellence in Teaching Award
• Colonel Charles Young Trailblazer Award (recognizing distinguished service to community, leadership, and youth)

Dr. Harper has directed significant grant-funded projects including the Diversity Workforce Oral History Project with the National Park Service, multiple documentary film projects on Omega Psi Phi Fraternity history, and the Sixth District Oral History Project documenting long-term fraternity members in North and South Carolina. His public history work demonstrates a commitment to preserving and sharing African American history through accessible formats.

His current research includes the Sixth District Oral History Project where he serves as director, collecting video oral interviews of fraternity members with 50+ years of membership. He also continues to develop digital mapping projects in Durham, North Carolina that document Black entrepreneurship and community development.