Jasper Conner

I am a historian focused on the history of disabled African Americans in the modern U.S. South. When my daughter was born Deaf, my research into the history of African American social movements pivoted to focus on the struggle of Black disabled people, their families, and allies to secure educational institutions in the segregated South. As an educator grounded in Black Studies and Disability Studies, I recognize that each student brings unique life experiences and learning needs into the classroom and I am dedicated to ensuring that my courses are accessible. By being open and flexible about my pedagogical approach, I hope that students will come away from my classes thinking about how to make the projects in their own life more accessible. I am the product of Virginia’s excellent education system. I attended public schools in Roanoke before completing my undergraduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University and my PhD at William & Mary. Having spent two years as a Pre-Doctoral Fellow at the Carter G. Woodson Institute at UVA, I am excited to return to grounds as an Engagements Postdoctoral Fellow.