the the newsletter of the
Center for the Study of Southern Culture • Fall 2012
the university of mississippi
Southern Studies Welcomes New Graduate Students own unique lenses. These individual perspectives draw from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, and the group embodies the global reach of Southern culture. o John Agricola was born in Gadsden, Alabama. He began his cultural studies journey at the University of Alabama, where he earned a BA in history and American studies. While complet-
David Wharton
On August 17, 13 strangers met at the 2012 Southern Studies graduate orientation in Barnard Observatory. In just six short weeks, the group has become acquainted through class discussions, dinners on the Oxford Square, and impromptu trips into rural Mississippi. Though we come from different places, we share a collective interest in the South, which we explore through our
The incoming class of Southern Studies graduate students are, left to right, front row: Kate Hudson, Jodie Free, Erin Scott; second row: Leslie Hassel, Renee Ombaba, Anna Hamilton; third row: Tyler Proffitt, Paige Prather; back row: Rachael Walker, Turry Flucker, Bob Xu, Winston Booth, John Agricola.
ing an MA in American studies at the University of Wyoming, John worked for the Wyoming Humanities Council and the University of Wyoming Art Museum. John’s thesis at UW explored the modernization of the Tennessee Valley Authority through murals of the Tennessee Valley, and he plans to expand his study of the TVA at the University of Mississippi. o Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Winston Booth completed a BA in history at the University of Texas at Austin. He then moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi, and taught history just across the state line in Arkansas. Winston’s interest in regional politics led him to the University of Mississippi, where he will research politics and race in the South during the 1970s. o Jodie Free joins the program from St. Albans, United Kingdom. She earned a degree in American studies and English literature at the University of East Anglia, in a program that included a year abroad at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jodie’s interest in the South stems from a deep appreciation of William Faulkner, and she confesses that she cannot stop writing about Faulkner or his work. In the future, Jodie hopes to earn a PhD and perfect the art of her second love, baking. o In 2004 Turry Flucker departed a 10-year position as chief curator of the continued on page 17