FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Angie Maxwell, director of the Diane D. Blair Center of Southern Politics and Society in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, will open the 2015-16 Walton Arts and Ideas Series at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville. She will present "The South vs … Everything: The Evolution of Southern Identity" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, in the Roberts Conference Center.

"The Identity of the South," the theme of the 2015-16 series, seeks to answer the question: What makes the South Southern?

From its tumultuous Civil Rights history, to its notable and colorful brand of politics, food, art, music and literature, to today's conflicts over the Confederate flag, the South has distinguished itself as a compelling, influential and unique region. The University of the Ozarks will explore this region's intriguing blend of history, literature, music and pop culture with several engaging and enlightening events, including eight diverse concerts, lectures, performances and presentations. All events are free and open to the public thanks to an endowment from the Walton Family Charitable Trust.

Maxwell, who serves as the Blair Professor of Southern Studies and associate professor of political science, is the author of the critically acclaimed book The Indicted South: Public Criticism, Southern Inferiority, and the Politics of Whiteness (University of North Carolina Press, 2014) and is currently working on a new book with Oxford University Press, tentatively titled The Long Southern Strategy.

Others in The Identity of the South series include:

• Outreach director Elecia Brooks, The Southern Poverty Law Center, Oct. 6
• Artists A.J. Smith and Marjorie Williams-Smith, Oct. 12 and 13
• Singer and musician Sleepy LaBeef, Nov. 12
• Executive Chef Matt McClure, The Hive at 21 c Museum Hotel, Dec. 2
• Singer and musician Lightnin' Wells, Feb. 17
• Author Rick Bragg, March 3
• Author Peter Guralnick, April 7