معرفی
William R. Smith serves as Associate Professor at the University of Tulsa within the Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, Department of History, with a courtesy appointment. He concurrently holds leadership roles as Co-Director of the Museum Science and Management Program and Director of the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR) at Gilcrease Museum, where he oversees research initiatives and scholarly programs bridging university resources with museum collections.
Education:
- Ph.D. from University of Notre Dame
- M.A. from University of Notre Dame
- M.A. from University of Oklahoma
- B.A. from University of Oklahoma
Smith specializes in the cultural and socio-historical contexts of religious belief in early America, with deep expertise in 17th-18th century Atlantic world networks and American religious expression. His scholarship examines textual traditions through works like Benjamin Colman’s Epistolary World, 1688-1754 and ongoing research on the Cherokee Hymn book, reflecting his Cherokee Nation citizenship and Oklahoma roots. This interdisciplinary approach integrates historical, religious, and material culture perspectives.
Scientific Awards and Grants:
- Oklahoma Humanities Public Humanities Grant (2023) as Project Director
- IMLS CARES Act Grant for Eddie Faye Gates Tulsa Race Massacre Collection (2020-2023) as Principal Investigator
Smith mentors students through the Museum Science program while leading grant-funded initiatives that preserve critical historical collections. His work with the Tulsa Race Massacre archives demonstrates commitment to community-engaged scholarship and institutional collaboration between UTulsa and Gilcrease Museum.
As HCAR Director, Smith cultivates research ecosystems connecting UTulsa faculty/students with Gilcrease’s collections through scholarly residencies, digital projects, and public humanities programming, advancing the center’s mission as a nexus for American historical research.
