Southern Futures
An undergraduate research initiative of the Center for the Study of the American South
About Southern Futures
Southern Futures is an undergraduate research initiative of UNC’s Center for the Study of the American South (CSAS). Founded in 2019 by Professor Malinda Maynor Lowery and Vice Provost Elizabeth Engelhardt, the program brings together students, faculty, and community partners to reimagine the future of the American South.
Since its launch, Southern Futures has invested over $500,000 into projects and initiatives that amplify Southern voices, foster creative collaboration, and address challenges facing the region.
What We Do
Our mission is to prepare the next generation of Southern leaders through research, creative discovery, and community partnership.
Program Objectives (2025–26):
Our mission is to prepare the next generation of Southern leaders through research, creative discovery, and community partnership.
Educate future leaders to think critically about the South.
Teach research methods rooted in Southern culture, history, and community knowledge.
Pursue creative collaboration across UNC and beyond.
Partner with grassroots organizations and community leaders.
Share research and stories through events, newsletters, and social media.
Southern Futures Fellows
Fellows reimagine the South through research, art, storytelling, and collaboration with communities, policymakers, and scholars.
Program Includes:
- A $5,000 award to conduct mentored research or creative discovery during the summer.
- Coursework and programs that deepen understanding of the American South in a global context.
- Opportunities to partner with faculty, artists, and community leaders.
Who Can Apply:
- First-year undergraduates at Carolina interested in contributing to the future prosperity of Southern communities.
- Open to all majors.
Join the Southern Futures RSO
New in 2025–26
This year, we are excited to debut Southern Futures as a registered student organization (RSO) that any UNC student can join. The RSO expands Southern Futures beyond the fellowship, creating more opportunities for students to engage with Southern culture, history, and research through events, discussions, and collaborations.
