Smart Thinking

Professor Jones is one of three Brandeis faculty members to win a $500,000 MacArthur "Genius" award, given annually to U.S. residents who "show exceptional merit and promise for continued and enhanced creative work."

Jacqueline Jones

Harry S. Truman Professor of American Civilization
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Current research
I am completing a book on Savannah, Georgia, during the era of the Civil War, 1854 to 1872. I am also revising a U.S. history textbook, "Created Equal," that I co-authored with four other scholars, for its third edition.

Favorite classroom experience
I was giving a lecture on Margaret Fuller, a remarkable 19th-century American writer and intellectual. When I described how she died in a shipwreck off Fire Island (in 1850, at the age of 40), I was so moved that I burst into tears! My students were embarrassed. But they also wanted to understand what it was about this fascinating woman that had so affected me.

What makes Brandeis special
Brandeis has an historic commitment to social justice, which makes it special among American colleges and universities. I also appreciate that the university has all the intellectual vitality of a large research university, with the small classes and close faculty-student interaction associated with a liberal arts college.

Last book read for pleasure
“The Yiddish Policeman’s Union" by Michael Chabon, possibly the funniest and saddest book I have ever read.

Favorite world city to visit
My daughter is a graduate student in London, so I am eager to visit that city as often as possible.