James Bissett, professor of history and chair of history and geography, has been named the William J. Story, Sr. Professor. Details....
The late Hatcher P. Story, Elon class of 1938, and his sister Louise F. Story endowed the professorship in Southern history at Elon to honor their father William Story, Sr.
Bissett succeeds Nancy Midgette who has served as the Story Professor since 1996. She was named associate provost in 2001 and also serves as professor of history.
The Story professorship, one of 14 endowed professorships at Elon, provides the faculty member with a $3,000 annual stipend, a $2,000 activity fund and dedicated time for an Elon leadership responsibility.
Bissett joined the Elon faculty in 1990 after receiving his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, a master’s degree from Western Carolina University and a doctorate from Duke University. Bissett’s interests in Southern history range from his award winning book “Agrarian Socialism in America: Marx, Jefferson, and Jesus in the Oklahoma Countryside, 1904-1920” to his current research on race relations in Alamance County.
As the Story Professor, Bissett plans to promote the teaching of Southern history and culture in innovative ways. He is recognized as an outstanding teacher and mentor, and will do research and involve students in his work.
Bissett has chaired the department of history and geography for two years. He has also been elected to two terms as chair of Academic Council (1996-97 and 2002-03).