In Fall 2025, we welcomed University of Minnesota historian, Dr. David Perry, to our campus.
In addition to giving a lecture about the value of doing serious public humanities work, Perry led a hands-on workshop teaching participants how to turn their academic research expertise into publications aimed at the general public.
Regardless of discipline, all academic experts are equipped with critical knowledge and insights that could improve our understanding of all aspects of the world. Humanities scholars, however, are especially well-situated to educate and inspire the public on topics that impact our lives as human beings.
Perry assured us that as teachers, we already possess the basic skills for translating dense academic research into accessible and meaningful presentations and publications. Nearly all of the controversies playing out on the world stage, and in our local communities, have at their root important ideas, values, questions, perspectives, and stories that define the humanities.
Issues that cleave deep divides in our nation and the world always benefit from historical, cultural, artistic, literary, and philosophical context. Great works of art, music, and literature teach us life lessons and help us to experience perspectives and emotions radically different from our own.
Anyone determined to create a more compassionate and just world has an obligation to support, respect, and share what we do in the humanities to promote the public good. Perry’s visit made for an interesting and uplifting day for the Humanities Center community at WVU.