NEH Awards Grant to UTC for Humanities-Informed Environmental Studies Major
Associate Lecturer Catherine Meeks Quinlan, left, Associate Lecturer Lucy Schultz and Guerry Professor Jennifer Boyd were awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities grant titled “Implementing a Humanities-Informed Environmental Studies Major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.” Photo by Angela Foster. Courtesy of UTC.EDU
In The Know with Gino…
In a stride toward interdisciplinary education and environmental stewardship, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has been awarded a substantial grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The $149,957 “Humanities Connections” grant is slated to catalyze the realization of an Environmental Studies major at UTC.
The project, titled “Implementing a Humanities-Informed Environmental Studies Major at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga,” marks a significant milestone in the university’s academic offerings. Spearheaded by Catherine Meeks Quinlan from the Department of English, Dr. Jennifer Boyd from Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science, and Dr. Lucy Schultz from Philosophy and Religion, the grant underscores the collaborative effort across multiple disciplines.
NEH’s recent announcement of $26.2 million in funding for 238 grant awards highlights a commitment to advancing humanities-centered initiatives nationwide. Shelly C. Lowe, NEH Chair, emphasized the importance of projects that deepen our understanding of humanity’s relationship with the world.
Meeks Quinlan, instrumental in establishing the Environmental Studies minor at UTC, expressed gratitude for the grant, which will propel the program’s evolution into a major over the next three years. She underscored the distinction between environmental studies and environmental science, emphasizing the former’s focus on human and social dimensions of environmental and sustainability issues.
Schultz elaborated on the grant’s objectives, outlining plans for curriculum development, student recruitment, and experiential learning opportunities. Notably, the program aims to offer hands-on experiences, including engagements with professionals and community service projects. High school outreach initiatives, such as sponsored hikes, have already laid the groundwork for fostering interest among prospective students.
The grant’s significance extends beyond mere financial support. Boyd emphasized the rarity of humanities-focused programs receiving such substantial backing, emphasizing the pivotal role played by Schultz and Quinlan in driving the project forward.
The Environmental Studies major at UTC promises to equip students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges. As the program takes shape, it embodies a vision of hope, inspiration, and community engagement in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
SOURCES: UTC & NOOGAtoday
