The University of Utah has been awarded the 2023 Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation New Professorship in Buddhist Studies. The grant program, administered by the American Council of Learned Societies, ACLS, provides four years of seed funding to institutions of higher education to support new teaching positions in Buddhist studies.

While doing research for her 2003 publication, “Working Women in Mexico City,” Susie Porter, professor of history and gender studies and director of the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Utah, had to decide who was in and who was out. Who is working class and who is not? How does this matter? Were seamstresses and secretaries included in conversations of the working class and factory workers?

Madeika Vercella - Student Convocation Speaker; Kailee Ferret - Outstanding Senior; Samuel Judd - Excellence in Humanities; Ellle Moulton - Excellence in Humanities

In my first year as dean, I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and I’m continually impressed with your energy, work ethic, amazing achievements, and your ability to juggle both your personal and academic responsibilities. Humanities students work tirelessly and have high aspirations.

Danny Chi, senior director of communications and west coast publicity for ESPN, has been selected for the University of Utah’s College of Humanities Distinguished Alumni Award. Chi received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations from the U.

The College of Humanities at the University of Utah hosted its first Humanities Student Research Poster Session on April 25, 2023, showcasing the work of 26 students from various disciplines. Students from Salt Lake Community College also presented at the event.

The College of Humanities at the University of Utah has named Paisley Rekdal, Distinguished Professor of English, as the next director of the American West Center. Rekdal will begin her appointment on July 1, 2023, when Gregory Smoak, associate professor of history, concludes his 11-year tenure as director. The college is forever grateful for Smoak’s many years of leadership and service and is looking forward to a new chapter with Rekdal.

The College of Humanities at the University of Utah has named Danielle Endres, professor of communication, as the next director of the Environmental Humanities Program. Endres will begin her appointment on July 1, 2023 when Professor Jeffrey McCarthy concludes his nine-year tenure as director. The college is immensely grateful for McCarthy’s many years of service and is looking forward to working with Endres in her new role.

Alf Seegert, associate professor of English, has been awarded the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Office of Academic Affairs. The University Distinguished Teaching Award honors significant contributions to the teaching mission of the University of Utah. To be eligible, faculty must have completed eight or more years of teaching service at the University of Utah.