Carter biographer to lecture at UVa-Wise April 8

Stanly Godbold, a noted academic who has devoted his professional life to the study of the South in American history and culture, will discuss “Jimmy Carter and the Return of the South to National Politics” during a presentation at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise on Friday, April 8. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, begins at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of All Faiths.

During Godbold’s more than three decades in academia, he compiled an impressive list of accomplishments. He is the author of three books, each on a different era of Southern history, and the editor of five volumes of collected works. His book, Confederate Colonel and Cherokee Chief: The Life of William Holland Thomas, received the 1991 Thomas Wolfe Literary Award. Godbold served for 10 years as the associate editor of the Mississippi Quarterly and has published more than 30 scholarly articles.

Godbold is currently at work on the second of two volumes on the presidency of Jimmy Carter. The project has included interviews with many members of the Carter White House including the former president and first lady. Godbold’s work on Carter has brought him media attention, including an appearance on WGBH television in Boston. He was an adviser and on-camera commentator for the PBS “American Experience” episode about President Carter.

A South Carolina native, Godbold was a faculty member at Mississippi State University from 1977 until his retirement in 2003. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree from Duke University and a divinity degree from Southern Methodist University.

For more information, contact the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130.