Since Spring 2006, when the nascent Center for the Humanities came quietly into the world, much has gone forward at the University of Florida. Despite deep budget cuts and State of Florida ‘call-backs’ the Center for the Humanities has continued its tradition of excellence by sponsoring some two-dozen Symposia, Conferences, and Lecture Series. Attracting noted scholars from around the world, we owe our continuing success to a longstanding tradition of cooperation between Departments, Centers, and Institutes, and most importantly, to the enduring energy and enthusiasm of a talented faculty. A list of events sponsored by the Humanities Center can be found at our Archive.
During the last three years, since I became Interim Director, the University of Florida has not only sponsored events but has undertaken a search for a permanent Director. The mission of the Center will continue. By design, the Center for the Humanities aims to assist faculty in achieving academic excellence by taking our research in the humanities to wider audiences. From the outset, this vision has involved leaving issues of curriculum to Departments while the Center focused on scholarly collaboration that leads to innovative research and publication as well as wider public understanding.
Brief outline of the vision and mission of the Center for Humanities (PDF)
Although much remains to be done, we are confident that the Center for the Humanities will achieve its earliest promise. A ‘Call for Proposals’ for next academic year will likely be announced this Spring, and with the final implementation of the Rothman Endowment, faculty, students, and the broader public will soon benefit from a growing number of Symposia stretching across the full range of the Humanities.
As we begin the New Year we also enter a new and exciting era for the Center for the Humanities. I welcome your comments and participation, and again, please accept my thanks for your continued support.
Bob Hatch
Interim Director
Center for the Humanities
University of Florida