Sharon Ryan, PhD, was named director of the West Virginia University Humanities
Center to guide the Humanities Center into the future. She stepped into this
role in January 2025.
“We are excited to have Dr. Ryan, whose clear passion for and expertise in the humanities will build on the incredible foundation of the WVU Humanities Center as a cultural and intellectual hub,” Dean of Libraries Karen Diaz said. “Dr. Ryan will capitalize on the great synergies that already exist on and off campus, and work to evolve the roles the center plays in strengthening the University’s R1 status and commitment to the land-grant mission.”
Originally founded with the primary purpose of facilitating and encouraging collaboration of faculty who are engaged in scholarship in the humanities and to make WVU and the Morgantown area a cultural and intellectual area of national significance, this original charter called for supporting humanities funding, working with the campus and statewide community and developing graduate and undergraduate research in the humanities.
A recent survey of WVU faculty underscored the ongoing need and desire for these features to continue to advance and evolve:
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A grants program that supports the research of campus faculty. Humanities grants have historically been issued each spring and support collaborative projects that include three or more scholars, innovative teaching practices including team teaching an interdisciplinary course and research support that allows scholars to travel or access archival materials.
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Programming that brings prominent humanities scholars to campus and that highlights the work of our own scholars. This programming should appeal to a wide range of disciplines and interests, and address concerns about the current political and academic environment’s impact on humanities. There is a great opportunity to foster collaboration across university departments and external learning communities. There is also great desire for this programming to include graduate and undergraduate students in humanities, connecting their interests and learning to broader research opportunities.
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Advocacy to encourage the inclusion of humanities in broader university initiatives, stressing their value to both students and faculty. This advocacy must also address the public’s diminishing confidence in the humanities by dispelling misconceptions about career prospects and emphasizing the broader academic and community value. This includes connecting with the K-12 community and regional cultural endeavors. There is also a great opportunity to strengthen collaboration with WVU humanities faculty by ensuring our humanities scholars are valued for their unparalleled impact and supported in their scholarship.
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And of course, bringing in a new Humanities Center Director is an opportune time to explore new avenues. We have the opportunity to build small communities of practice, such as a group seeking to develop book proposals, or share regional interdisciplinary work. We have an opportunity to engage with the Office of Undergraduate Research to encourage more humanities research across our undergraduate population. As a member of the Consortium of Humanities Centers and Institutes, there is an opportunity to engage with other institutions for greater collaboration.
WVU Libraries looks forward to the unique approach that new Humanities Center Director Ryan will bring to this work. She brings 13 years of administrative experience and a deep passion for the humanities.
“Every R1 institution should have arts and humanities programs that are thriving. Our scholars and artists deserve to feel valued, energized and appreciated.” Dr. Ryan said. “Humanities scholars and artists grapple with the most fundamental, contentious and significant concerns and challenges that we face as humans. And all across the University, our humanities faculty are engaged in meaningful research projects, creative work and teaching. I look forward to supporting and showcasing this valuable work as the Humanities Center’s director.”
Every R1 institution should have arts and humanities programs that are thriving...I look forward to supporting and showcasing this valuable work as the Humanities Center’s director.Sharon Ryan, PhDDirector, Humanities Center, WVU Libraries
Prior to joining the Humanities Center as director, Dr. Ryan served as a member of the first advisory board for the center in 2017 and played a critical role in creating the Humanities Center’s mission statement, strategic vision and initial programming and grant opportunities.
Additionally, during her nearly 35-year tenure at WVU thus far, Dr. Ryan has been a professor of philosophy and held leadership positions as Chair for both the philosophy and humanities department and the religious studies program. As Chair, she organized lectures, reading groups, social events, workshops and conferences. Dr. Ryan will gradually transition out of her role as Chair of philosophy and into her new role at the Humanities Center as director.
Dr. Ryan has published widely on a variety of topics in philosophy, given countless presentations and served on dozens of committees and reviews both on and off campus. Among her many honors and awards, she won the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teacher Award and was a finalist for WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences’ Outstanding Teaching Professorship in 2016 and Outstanding Public Service Award in 2010.
The Humanities Center director champions the role of the humanities at WVU, builds community and supports the humanities research mission throughout the campus community. The director also highlights the role of humanities in society by promoting career opportunities for humanities students and identifying opportunities for cross- and multi-disciplinary research. The Humanities Center cultivates environments for developing insight into human thought, culture and history while creating space to bridge the past with the present and foster a richer understanding of our shared narratives.
-WVU Libraries-
MEDIA CONTACT: Ellis Willard
Director of Public Relations & Events
WVU Libraries
304-293-0306; ellis.willard@mail.wvu.edu