William S. Powell

William Stevens Powell (April 28, 1919 – April 10, 2015) was an American historian, writer, academic, and teacher. He authored over 600 articles and books about the history of North Carolina and was the editor of the six volume Dictionary of North Carolina Biography. He was professor emeritus of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, having retired in 1986.

Early life William was born on April 28, 1919 in Johnston County, North Carolina in a house built by his great-grandfather along the Neuse River between Smithfield and Goldsboro. He was the son of Isaac Millard Powell (1892-1955) and Ada Belle Perry Powell (1895-1982). In 1920, his family moved to Statesville, North Carolina where his father gained employment with the State Highway and Public Works Commission. His mother was employed as a school teacher in Iredell County. William finished high school in Statesville and attended Mitchell College in Statesville for two years and then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned a bachelor's degree in history in 1940.

In 1972, he left this position and to become a professor of North Carolina history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He remained in this position until 1986 when he retired to devote more time to research and writing. During his teaching career, he taught over 6,000 students.