Statement of Support for the Humanities at OSU

We, representatives of the humanities at Oklahoma State University, want to take this moment to affirm the value of humanities research, teaching, and outreach.

 

Humanities scholarship helps us preserve and interpret cultural heritages around the world. It illuminates the historical roots of social challenges and provides frameworks for addressing complex ethical questions. This research demonstrates the contributions that arts and culture make to society and our communities. Such scholarship informs our teaching, which helps students develop critical thinking skills, navigate multicultural workspaces, and become engaged citizens and ethical leaders.

 

Our humanities scholars bring these skills and expertise to the community, aiming to make their knowledge accessible and relevant to the public. They build bridges across social divides, create shared spaces for important and challenging dialogue, and enrich public spaces and civic life. These goals are a fundamental part of OSU’s We Are Land-Grant mission, and we in the humanities have an essential role to play in this work.

 

The Center for the Humanities is an organization on campus that fosters humanities research. It also aims to provide support and connection for humanities scholars. The Center will embrace its role as a gathering place for discussions about how to navigate the changing landscape of federal funding. We invite all faculty to participate in these developing conversations, with the goals of creating a greater community and embracing our collective power. We will share information on these new opportunities for gathering soon.

 

Dr. Jennifer Borland

Director of the Center for the Humanities

on behalf of the College of Arts and Sciences

 

Special thanks to Brian Hosmer and Shannon Spaulding for their contributions in the development of this statement. 

 

Interested in advocating for Oklahoma Humanities, our state humanities council? Click here for an action toolkit and other resources!