Dr. Jonathan Atkins, a distinguished history professor from Berry College, was the 21st speaker in the annual Class of 1953 Lectureship Series on Monday, April 28. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of the Civil War, Dr. Atkins delivered a thought-provoking talk titled "Success Teaches You Nothing," which focused on the careers of two legendary figures: Union Generals George B. McClellan and Ulysses S. Grant.
Dr. Atkins skillfully wove together the stories of these two generals, highlighting their careers and lessons they learned from their lives to that point that influenced their effectiveness during the war. While both men were key figures in the Union's military efforts, their approaches to leadership and warfare differed significantly.
As Dr. Atkins noted, General McClellan's pre–Civil War career was marked with success and privilege but during the Civil War it was plagued with cautiousness and hesitation, a strategy that ultimately hindered his effectiveness on the battlefield. In contrast, General Grant had been dealt several failures early in his career, however, during the war he was known for his boldness and determination, traits that contributed to his success in several crucial battles.
Through his insightful analysis of these two figures, Dr. Atkins underscored the importance of adaptability, humility, and resilience in times of conflict. You can watch the video attached to this blog.
We are grateful to have Dr. Jonathan Atkins share his expertise with our community. He is husband of longtime Darlington faculty member Christie Atkins and father of alumna Leslie Atkins (’13).
