Support the CenterThe Humanities Center
at Miami University
Message from the Founding Director
April 2009
Miami University's Humanities Center is an exciting new initiative that will bring together faculty and students from many programs and departments in an interdisciplinary, collaborative way. By forging links among programs and departments, the center will focus attention on the exciting work being done in the humanities at Miami.
The idea to create a center began during conversations between Karen Schilling, Dean of the College of Arts and Science, and humanities faculty. Those conversations led to a formal proposal for a President's Academic Enrichment Award. With the full support of Dean Schilling and Provost Jeffrey Herbst, the proposal was successful, and the planning process began. During the 2008-2009 academic year, a faculty steering committee articulated a mission statement and governance structure for the center.
Central to the success of the program are the fellowships that will be awarded to Miami faculty who will promote active engagement throughout the humanities. These fellowships are made possible by the generosity of John Altman, a long-time supporter of humanities at Miami. Two faculty members will be involved in outreach activities and independent research for a period of two-years each; they will also teach halftime in their respective departments.
The tremendous support for this venture has been heartening, especially at a time when the humanities often seem vulnerable. I am excited to be part of this effort and welcome your involvement in everything we do.
Allan M. Winkler
Founding Director,
Humanities Center