Knapp Chairs of Liberal Arts 2023-24 Announced

The Knapp Chairs contribute to the vitality and centrality of liberal arts in the college by teaching and interacting with students, collaborating with faculty and presenting public lectures that engage our campus community.

2023-24 Knapp Chairs of Liberal Arts

Arts and Humanities
Alexander Nemerov, PhD
Carl and Marilynn Thoma Provostial Professor in the Arts and Humanities, Stanford University

Social Sciences
Angharad Valdivia, PhD
Research Professor, Institute of Communications Research and Professor, Department of Latina/Latino Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Jeffery C. Drazen, PhD
Professor, Department of Oceanography, University of Hawai`i at Manoa

Each Knapp Chair will have a residency on campus and host a public lecture during their stay. In the fall 2023, Dr. Nemerov will speak on “The Dangers of Knowledge: An Art Historical Education at Warren Auditorium” at Mother Rosalie Hill Hall on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. Dr. Drazen will speak about “Deep-sea Mining: What Are the Environmental Risks and Why Should We Care?” at Warren Auditorium, Mother Rosalie Hill Hall on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 5:30 p.m. Dr. Valdivia will give a public lecture on "Latina Girlhood in Mainstream Media: From Dora to Barbie" during her spring residency on February 21, at 5:30 p.m. at Warren Auditorium, Mother Rosalie Hill Hall. 

About the Knapp Chair of Liberal Arts

The Knapp Chair of Liberal Arts was established in 1995. Two to three distinguished scholars are appointed annually by the dean from across the disciplines of the liberal arts. Previous Knapp Chairs include: Noam Chomsky, Cathy Cohen, Mark Edmundson, Martin Demaine and Erik Demaine.

Knapp Chairs give a public lecture during their residency, which is recorded and posted online. Faculty and students may nominate a Knapp Chair of Liberal Arts. For more information, visit the Knapp Chair of Liberal Arts page.