Late writer, Cherokee Studies leader at 蘑菇短视频to be honored with marker
Robert Conley
The late Robert J. Conley, author and former Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies at 蘑菇短视频, will receive a historical marker in his hometown of Cushing, Oklahoma, commemorating his literary achievements.
Conley, an award-winning author in numerous genres and a Native American historian, died in 2014 in Sylva at the age of 73. Appointed to the 蘑菇短视频professorship in July 2008, he was an enrolled member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. Conley said that accepting the 蘑菇短视频position and moving to the mountains was like coming home, because 鈥淣orth Carolina is home to all Cherokees.鈥�
A dedication ceremony of the marker will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, by the Friends of the Cushing Public Library, the Cushing Public Library and the Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma.
鈥淩obert was an important friend and mentor to many faculty, staff and students at 蘑菇短视频, as well as a vocal advocate for the preservation and promotion of Cherokee culture both in Oklahoma and on the Qualla Boundary,鈥� said Richard Starnes, 蘑菇短视频provost.
In his lifetime, Conley was a prolific writer, the author of more than 80 books, short stories and poems. Posthumous works are pending publication. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2014 Western Writers of America鈥檚 Owen Wister Award for Lifetime Contributions to Western Literature, induction to the Oklahoma Professional Writers Hall of Fame in 1996, and recipient of a lifetime achievement award in 2009 from the Oklahoma Center for the Book.
鈥淚 believe it is important that a Cherokee author is honored in such a way. It is a worthy homage and wonderful tribute to Robert and his work,鈥� said Evelyn Conley, his widow. 鈥淗e truly deserves it.鈥�
