AUM’s annual Southern Studies Conference celebrates milestone year
Auburn University at Montgomery’s College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences will host the university’s 15th annual Southern Studies Conference February 21-22.
The two-day, interdisciplinary event, held at AUM, will bring together scholars from across the United States and around the world to explore various aspects of the American South. In celebration of the conference’s milestone year, attendees will enjoy Southern- and Mardi Gras-themed food and desserts.
This year’s keynote speaker, Gina Caison, the Kenneth M. England Associate Professor of Southern Literature at Georgia State University, will present on the topic “Grounded in the Gulf South: Indigenous Sovereignty Beyond American Regions.” Her talk will be held from 1:15- 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, in Taylor Center 230.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Caison to campus to discuss the importance of addressing indigenous issues as scholars,” said Lacey Sloan, professor of social work and co-chair of this year’s conference. “Her scholarly work reflects the unique challenges faced by Southeast Indigenous nations, such as climate relocation programs. It also highlights often-overlooked issues that are important to the South, whether you’re indigenous or not.”
On Saturday, the conference will feature the performance “Afri-Christian Spirituality in the Plays of August Wilson: A Performance of Spirits,” presented by Wendy Coleman, dean of Alabama State University’s (ASU) College of Visual and Performing Arts, along with ASU students. The performance will be held from 12:45-1:30 p.m. in Taylor Center 230.
“Having our sister university perform and educate us during this year’s conference is exciting, especially as we celebrate a milestone year,” Sloan said. “Dr. Coleman and her students will present on a unique topic that I believe we can all learn from.”
Each year, the Southern Studies Conference features a variety of presentations, including posters, panels, art displays, oral presentations, and musical performances. Topics cover political science, literature, history, anthropology, English, philosophy, religious studies, women’s and gender studies, sociology, criminal justice, art, art history, music and more.
“This year, we will have 45 papers, 15 panels, and five poster presentations, with more than half of the paper presentations being delivered by undergraduate and graduate students,” Sloan said. “As you can see, we have a great lineup with participants from nearly every state in the U.S.”
The top student paper presenters will earn cash awards. The first-place winner will receive a $200 cash prize, second place will earn $100, and the honorable mention will receive a $50.
In November, AUM students and faculty were invited to submit proposals related to the American South for this year’s event. Last-minute poster presentations are still being accepted. Submit your poster presentation online.
The event is free for AUM-affiliated faculty, staff and students who register in advance.
