Shelly A. Middleton

Shelly A. Middleton serves as a Lecturer in the Department of History & Political Science within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. A native of Philadelphia who has resided in North Carolina for 39 years, she is an accomplished historian specializing in African American educational history and civil rights movements.

Her academic journey began at Bennett College where she earned her BA/S in History and Social Sciences in 1988, followed by an MA in History from North Carolina Central University in 2011. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at Capella University. During her graduate studies, she led the Earlie E. Thorpe History Association of Graduate Students, instituting bi-annual symposia and organizing significant events like the 9-11 commemorative forum.

Dr. Middleton's research focuses on pivotal figures in African American history, particularly educators and civil rights leaders. Her work examines the legacy of historically Black educational institutions and the contributions of Black feminists and intellectuals. The themes of educational leadership during segregation and the development of African American educational philosophy run consistently through her scholarship.

Her six scholarly publications from 2002-2016 demonstrate a concentrated research focus on Black educators like Charlotte Hawkins Brown and Anna J. Cooper, with particular attention to historically Black colleges and universities. These works collectively explore the intersection of race, education, and civil rights in American history.

Dr. Middleton actively contributes to her institution through service roles including Program Organizer (2016-2017) and Historical Director (2016-2018). She currently teaches 'The World Since 1945 - Honors,' sharing her historical expertise with students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.