In order to accomplish these priorities in a collegial and consultative fashion, the following structures are being established: first, I am constituting an interim Advisory Board to work with the departmental faculty in deliberating and making decisions about these priorities; and second, I am appointing an interim Department Chair to support faculty and students administratively as the department works through these priorities and its structures go through a period of transition.<\/p>\n

I am grateful to Professor Gabrielle Spiegel for agreeing to serve as chair of the interim Advisory Board (the other members of the Advisory Board will be announced soon), and to Professor Betsy Bryan for agreeing to serve as interim chair of the Humanities Center Department. They will begin to serve in these roles on March 1, 2017, and I know they will be grateful for the support and input of our humanities community to ensure the best future for the department.<\/p>\n

I must also thank Professor Hent de Vries for his dedicated, tireless and passionate work on behalf of the Humanities Center. He served as Director of the Humanities Center for two full three-year terms, and then graciously delayed a well-deserved leave during the current academic year to continue as Director for an additional interim period. His world-renowned expertise, his successful efforts as a convener of numerous events, and his contributions to the community of humanists are all deeply appreciated.<\/p>\n

Periodic updates will be provided as warranted.<\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/p>\n

Beverly Wendland<\/p>\n