Chris Cameron has been a professor in the History Department for over 13 years. Learn about his education, his historical interests and advice he gives his students.
Can you describe your role at UNC Charlotte?
I teach classes in early American history, African-American history, and religious and intellectual history. I am also an active scholar who has published five books.
Where did you go to school?
I received a bachelor's in history from Keene State College in New Hampshire. I received a master’s and Ph.D. in American history from UNC Chapel Hill.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is being able to share my research with audiences around the world. Growing up, I never traveled much, and I was a high school dropout, so I never imagined myself going to Oregon, Texas or London to give talks on books I have written.
What is one piece of advice you give to your students?
I often emphasize the importance of being well-rounded intellectually and going beyond the minimum required in other disciplines for general education. If you’re a history major, take calculus I and II. If you are an engineering major, try an upper-level history or philosophy class. Learning new methods and ways of thinking in other disciplines will only enhance your work in your own major and will better prepare you for life after college. It also will show prospective graduate schools, medical schools or employers that you will challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone.
What’s your favorite historical era?
My favorite historical era is probably the Antebellum Era, roughly 1815-1865. This period saw the coming of the Civil War but also incredibly vibrant intellectual and social movements like transcendentalism and abolitionism. It is probably the period I have written about the most, although some of my newer works focus more on the 20th century U.S.
What do you like to do when you aren't working?
I’m a marathoner and a father of three, so when I’m not working, I run around with my kids or just run.
In addition to the Charlotte 49ers, who are your favorite sports teams?
For college sports, the Tar Heels, and for professional sports, Boston teams. Growing up in New Hampshire, pretty much everyone rooted for the Pats, Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox. Being a Pats fan is hard these days, but I’m sticking with them.
What's a fun fact about you that people may not know?
In addition to being a professor, I will be an undergraduate student at UNC Charlotte starting in spring 2024. I’ll begin work on a bachelor’s in French, taking one class a semester for the next five years or so. I have a lot of family in Quebec that I’d love to speak to in French, and I would like to conduct research and oral interviews in French.