Patrick O'Neil

Patrick W. O'Neil is a Professor of History at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC, and serves as Chair of the Department of History and Co-Director of Women’s Studies. He is affiliated with the College of Arts, Humanities & Sciences and coordinates Social Studies Education.

• B.A., Grinnell College
• M.A., Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

His research focuses on pre-Civil War American history, with particular attention to politics, culture, and gender. He is writing a book titled Inventing the American Wedding, which examines the evolution of American wedding traditions during the antebellum period. O'Neil's work often intersects with social history, gender studies, and legal/political developments.

His recent articles include analyses of early American political campaigns, the intersection of Christianity and slavery, and the legal implications of the McCullough v. Maryland case. These publications span subfields such as antebellum politics, colonial resistance, and cultural rituals.

• Distinguished Professor of the Year (Methodist University, 2014)

O'Neil advocates for student-led learning, encouraging critical thinking and self-directed exploration in his courses. Outside academia, he enjoys running and follows sports teams like the North Carolina Tar Heels and Nebraska Cornhuskers, alongside interests in the Beatles and barbecue culture.