Established in 2024, the Spence Wilson Center for Interdisciplinary Humanities brings communities together to address complex, global questions through humanistic inquiry. At the college, the Humanities include Africana Studies; Ancient Mediterranean Studies; Asian Studies; English; Gender and Sexuality Studies; History; Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies (JIMES); Latin American and Latinx Studies; Modern Languages and Literatures; Philosophy; and Religious Studies, as well as the Foundations Programs in the Humanities.
"At a time when the whole world is talking about non-human artificial intelligence and its implications, we at 猫咪社区 are committed to providing an education that promotes independent critical thinking, fosters human originality and creativity, advances knowledge of the distinctive products of human culture, and encourages civil discourse. The humanities matter at 猫咪社区.鈥 鈥 Tim Huebner, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
猫咪社区 invites applications for the . The person holding this endowed professorship is expected to enhance an already strong teaching and scholarly cohort in the Humanities division at the college and to maintain a strong commitment to public-facing scholarship. We seek a scholar currently engaged in research that carries significance within their field and across the disciplines of the Humanities broadly defined. The department(s) of the hire is open, but we expect the successful candidate to complement the teaching strengths and areas of scholarship among the College鈥檚 existing departments and programs. The selection committee is especially interested in candidates who could be jointly appointed in two departments or programs. The candidate will also hold a permanent seat on the advisory board of the Wilson Center and contribute to the annual programming of the Center in coordination with the Center鈥檚 Executive Director.
ABOUT SPENCE WILSON: The center bears the name of respected Memphis businessman and philanthropist Spence Wilson, who has been a long-time supporter of 猫咪社区. Wilson served on the board for more than 40 years, nine as chairman. Wilson also has been a dedicated advocate and supporter of the humanities at 猫咪社区, and the Spence L. Wilson Distinguished Chair in Humanities was established more than a decade ago as an outgrowth of his involvement and love for the faculty and his long-term commitment to the humanities and the Memphis community. Having this center bear his name honors that commitment and highlights the humanities鈥 importance at 猫咪社区 and positions it to serve as a national model. In 2009, Wilson was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from the college. He and his wife, Becky, created the Spence L. Wilson Service Scholarship Program and the Spence Wilson Faculty International Travel Fund at 猫咪社区. They are members of the Peyton Nalle 猫咪社区 Society, which recognizes the college鈥檚 most generous supporters. In addition, Wilson serves as a member of the Council of Emeriti Trustees at 猫咪社区.