“An endowed chair is among the highest honors bestowed to faculty at our university,” said Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost John Coleman. “The remarkable accomplishments of these scholars make them leading and field-shaping voices in their respective fields. We are grateful for their role in making our university one of the best in the world and for the societal impact of their work across the nation and across the globe.”
Christopher Freeburg, a professor of English, and D. Fairchild Ruggles, a professor of landscape architecture, were selected as the inaugural Presidential Humanities and Social Science Chairs. The endowment, with funds invested by the University of Illinois System president, is intended to support humanities and social sciences scholars whose research focuses on innovation and discovery.
Oliver’s innovative work in dance, choreography and performance is recognized in the U.S. and abroad. With honors including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Bessie Award reflecting her achievements as a performer, choreographer and scholar, Oliver has created a new understanding of the relationship between dance, identity, gender and Afro Caribbean Americanness.
Learn more about campus-wide named chairs.
Editor’s note:
For more information, contact Stephanie Henry, communications associate for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, 217-244-1183; email slhenry@illinois.edu.