Funding Successful Scholars
Both on the campus of Tulane and around the world, SLA faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge projects that have a huge impact on the university as well as the public arena. Although many assume that the world of the mind is untouched by economic realities, the research and creative activities of our scholars and artists often depend on grants and gifts that support their work.
In this month’s newsletter, the importance of such funding is well evident in the focus on Chris Rodning, associate professor of Anthropology, and Nora Lustig, the Samuel Z. Stone Professor of Latin American Economics, and the work of the Shakespeare Festival at Tulane. Through the Gates Foundation – which sought out Professor Lustig to offer its sponsorship – she and her team have been able to develop the Commitment to Equity (CEQ) project that assesses the economic environment of 18 countries. With the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Geographic Society (NGS), and local government agencies and historical societies, Professor Rodning has undertaken exciting archeological exploration at the Berry site in North Carolina. And, through funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the beauty of Shakespeare and the experience of live theatre have been made accessible to students throughout the region.
Gifts from donors also directly affect all that occurs in SLA. A campaign is underway to establish a chair in Israel Society. Spearheaded by Eric West, the funds will support research and teaching about Israel at Tulane. Read his vision of the chair here.
Many of you have helped with these and other efforts. We thank you for your support and are delighted to be able to share the excitement generated by these grants and gifts.