Born just half a mile from George Washington’s Continental Army Headquarters in Newburgh, NY, I have long nurtured an interest in the national origins of the United States. It was in North Carolina, however, where I’ve spent most of my life, that I shaped my interests into an educational career. After serving some years in the Marines and exploring various civilian career paths, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Public History and a Master of Arts in History, both from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. I took a couple years off to be a dad before enrolling in the doctoral program in Public History at NC State University in Raleigh.
Since moving to Raleigh, I have had the opportunity not only to work with gifted scholars in the Department of History at NC State, but also to gain valuable experience as a history educator. I’ve taught as a graduate instructor at NC State, as an adjunct lecturer both at NC State and at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, and currently as a full-time History faculty member at Wake Tech. In my classes, I often turn to topics of public history, such as monuments and museums, to engage my students in understanding and navigating the constant interplay between history and memory.
I share my life adventure with my wife and best friend, Stephanie. Together we are raising twin daughters—Reagan and Kinley—who are maturing into remarkable, gifted young ladies. I couldn’t be a prouder dad. All that I do, I do for my family.
James R. Wils, PhD 