Noted Historian Receives University’s Top Research Honor
John David Smith, the Charles H. Stone Distinguished Professor of American History at UNC Charlotte, is the 2016 recipient of the First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal, UNC Charlotte’s most prestigious faculty award in recognition of excellence in research.
A ceremony was held Tuesday, April 12, at the Harris Alumni Center to formally honor Smith. Each year since 1987, the University with support from First Citizens Bank presents this award to recognize and foster the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and creative endeavors.
“Tonight we celebrate Dr. John David Smith, a scholar whose research has greatly influenced the body of knowledge surrounding Southern history, American history and African American history,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “Colleagues characterize his scholarship by the depth of his research and his ability to investigate unknown — and sometimes unpopular — sources that bring new perspectives to the study of American and Southern history.”
One colleague, an award-winning author, said, “It is impressive by any measure. His record of scholarship ranks him among the most productive historians of our day. In a word, Dr. Smith is a scholar’s scholar.”
Smith researches the history of slavery, race, and emancipation. In addition to lecturing in 11 foreign countries, Smith has published more than 150 scholarly articles and book chapters as well as 28 books, with a 29th forthcoming.
His numerous honors include the Mayflower Society Award for Nonfiction, the Gustavus Myers Center Award for the Study of Human Rights in North America, the Richard H. Collins Award, Kentucky Historical Society, and the Thornton W. Mitchell Service Award, Society of North Carolina Archivists. He also has been a presenter in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences’ signature authors series, Personally Speaking.
Smith has taught at several universities including North Carolina State University as Graduate Alumni Distinguished Professor of History, and at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, as Fulbright Senior Professor of American Studies.
“First Citizens Bank is delighted to continue our relationship with UNC Charlotte — now in its 29th year — to honor an exceptional faculty member with the Scholars Medal,” said Kim Allred, senior vice president for First Citizens Bank. “This award reflects our bank’s ‘Forever First’ commitment to the people, businesses and communities we serve. It’s a great privilege for us to join together with the University in recognizing Dr. Smith and his prestigious work.
The First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal was created to spotlight the important contributions UNC Charlotte and its faculty are making, not only in its community, but also throughout the Carolinas, the nation and the world. Past award recipients have influenced scholarship in a number of academic disciplines and fields, including engineering, psychology, sociology, anthropology, biology and arts and photography.