Sustaining Our Strength in the Humanities

FAIN: AH-276522-20

Hastings College (Hastings, NE 68901-7690)
Robert Babcock (Project Director: May 2020 to March 2023)

The retention of seven full-time and part-time humanities faculty, and the creation of hybrid and online courses.

Hastings College has a strong tradition in the humanities, but financial concerns created by COVID-19 threaten the future of these distinguished programs. The proposed project helps address those concerns by accomplishing three objectives: retain seven full-time and part-time humanities faculty who are in danger of furlough or dismissal during the fall 2020 semester without support from NEH, better prepare humanities faculty to offer interactive and engaging hybrid and online courses that will attract and retain students in the humanities, and redesign several foundational humanities courses for the anticipated hybrid and online environments. The humanities positions affected by the pandemic serve an essential role in the education and preparation of Hastings College students. By retaining these faculty and developing their skills in new learning environments, the NEH will help sustain the humanities for future generations of Hastings College students.