A new arts and humanities research initiative to invest in innovative scholarship, creative expression at Emory

Emory University is deepening its nearly two-century commitment to the liberal arts with new investments to expand creative expression and innovative scholarship focused on the human experience. Beginning in fall 2023, the Emory Initiative for Arts and Humanities Research will support the hiring of 30 new faculty across five Emory schools, who will join humanities and arts scholars already at Emory to explore the human condition and critical questions facing individuals and society. times

“At Emory, we believe that humanistic inquiry and creative expression are integral to the future of our institution, our students, and all of society,” said Ravi V. Bellamkonda, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs says. “Indeed, in an era when some are disinvesting in the humanities, Emory has decided to double down—because we think humanities research is especially necessary at this critical juncture in our shared history.

“In a time of rapid technological, social and environmental change, scholars and artists who can shed light on the human experience will help us meet challenges and find new ways to grow and thrive.”

Recruited through five schools – With partial funding from the Office of the Provost — Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Oxford College, Candler School of Theology, Goizueta Business School and Emory University School of Law — these new faculty will help each school increase its signature strength and build capacity in the fields. Strategic priorities. The deans of each school have established a unique framework highlighting how the initiative can advance specific scholarship and interdisciplinary research at their schools.

“Emory’s innate strength in the liberal arts informs everything we do here—it’s central not only to the university’s mission to serve humanity but also to understanding its changing context,” says Candler Dean Jan Love, who directed the initial outline of the new initiative. With fellow deans Mary Anne Bobinski, Kenneth Carter, Carla Freeman and Gareth James.

“Through investment in our school’s core strengths, the deans’ vision and liberal arts heritage, the arts and humanities research initiative will advance our shared understanding of what it means to express ourselves as human beings,” adds Love.

“Furthermore, it will focus Emory as a future-driven institution where these important questions are boldly posed and creatively addressed,” she says. “I look forward to welcoming faculty who will help Candler advance its scholarship for the common good, serve a diverse student body, and inform students’ faith and leadership practices as they engage with local and global communities.”

The Arts and Humanities Research Initiative will also support expanded programming in the Bill and Carol Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry to serve faculty across the university—enhancing research and teaching in the liberal arts and stimulating new collaborations among creative arts, interdisciplinary humanities and scholars. Qualitative Social Science.

In February 2023, Bellamkonda appointed Freeman, Emory College’s interim dean, as the Fox Center’s next director. Freeman will step into the role currently held by Walter S. Melion after the university names the next dean of Emory College, with the goal of expanding the center’s reach and impact.

“We envision the Fox Center as a magnet for collaboration and innovative scholarship that attracts students and faculty from the humanities and qualitative social sciences,” says Freeman. “In addition to serving as an intellectual hub for humanities scholars at Emory, we will engage colleagues in Atlanta, the US and internationally, through workshops, conferences and other activities.

“Together, the outstanding scholars we attract through the Arts and Humanities Research Initiative and the expanded role of the Fox Center will keep the spotlight on Emory as a place for innovative humanistic exploration and artistic work.”

initiative for It joins other recent investments Emory has made to foster arts and humanities research Faculty excellence and Innovation through scholarship and creative expression – February 2023 President Gregory L. A reimagined One Emory announced by Fenves: Ambition and Heart are both key focus areas of the strategic framework.

These investments include AI.Humanity, a major faculty recruitment, education and research initiative that brings together new and existing faculty to guide the development of not only STEM-related fields but also business, economics, law, literature, ethics and artificial intelligence. service to humanity; the Emory Climate Research Initiative, an interdisciplinary effort to maximize the impact of research and teaching efforts focused on climate change; and funding opportunities to support innovative scholarships in racial justice and equity and Art and Social Justice, among others.

Each of these efforts complements and builds on Emory’s distinctive strengths in the liberal arts while advancing the university’s shared commitment to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge in the service of humanity, notes Bellamconda.

“The arts and humanities are Fundamental to Emory’s values ​​and the unique contributions we make to the world. Says Bellamkonda. “Through arts and humanities research and other investments in our educational mission, we will liberate. Imagination and innovation to address the challenges of the 21st century and positively impact the human condition for decades to come. I am grateful to Senior Vice President Lanny Libeskind for working with our deans and other faculty leaders to shape the vision for this exciting new endeavor.

Faculty recruitment through the Arts and Humanities Research Initiative is expected to begin in August, with nominations initiated through the regular recruitment process within each participating school. Nominees will be evaluated by an Arts and Humanities Research Faculty Advisory Committee (see below) and collective input provided to the Office of the Provost for a final decision on partial funding support through the initiative.

For more information, visit the Emory Initiative for the Arts and Humanities Research website.