CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University will host respected political strategist, historian, and Greenville native Jere Nash for a book talk on Tuesday, December 2, at 6:00 p.m. in Jobe Hall Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
Nash will present his newest book, Reconstruction in Mississippi, 1862–1877, which examines the political, social, and racial transformation that shaped Mississippi during the Reconstruction era. His latest work has already drawn statewide attention and is part of his ongoing book tour, which has included stops in Oxford, Jackson, and several other Mississippi communities.
In addition to his new release, Nash has authored and co-authored several influential works, including Mississippi Politics: The Struggle for Power, 1976–2006 (with Andy Taggart, 2006) and Mississippi Fried Politics: Tall Tales from the Back Rooms (with Taggart, 2008). He and Taggart also co-hosted the political talk show ‘Red Blue Review’ on Jackson’s WLBT television station. Nash is also a contributor to America’s Great Storm: Leading Through Hurricane Katrina with former Governor Haley Barbour.
Nash holds a master’s degree in public administration from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Louisiana Tech University. His career spans more than three decades. He is a veteran of over 70 legislative campaigns. He has served as a political strategist, policy consultant, and public commentator. He previously served as campaign manager and chief of staff to former Governor Ray Mabus. In 2013, Campaigns & Elections magazine named Nash to the Influencers 500 – a list of key Democratic and Republican political influencers in each state – for his work in Democratic Mississippi politics.
Nash has been associated with influential figures such as Governor William Winter, Andy Mullins, Marty Wiseman, and numerous political scholars, journalists, and advocacy leaders. His work continues to bridge history, political strategy, and public understanding. He is also widely known for his long-standing professional relationship with former Governor Haley Barbour. The two collaborated professionally and shared a history of political analysis and commentary. In 2019, Nash and Barbour visited Delta State University together for a joint discussion on Mississippi politics, drawing a large and diverse audience from across the Delta.
The Book Talk will feature a presentation from Nash, followed by a Q&A session and a brief book signing. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to attend and engage with one of Mississippi’s most insightful political historians.
For more information about the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Delta State University, visit www.deltastate.edu/education-arts-humanities/arts-humanities-social-sciences/.
