Humanities

ROMANCE LANGUAGES — Terence McCulley ’79 (French, history) is a decorated former U.S. ambassador whose dynamic 41-year career in Africa began with an interest in the French language. When asked about his choice of majors and careers, he said he “felt a call” to learn a foreign language all the way back in grade school and eventually developed a love of French and France’s literature and history.

LINGUISTICS — The annual sponsored research report highlights research projects across disciplines, from the Oregon Coast to Papua New Guinea. Featured projects in this year's report include a linguistics project studying how a specific set of language patterns arise, how people learn them and why they persist over time as well as a project capturing an endangered and undocumented language in Papua New Guinea.

THEATRE ARTS — When disaster strikes in a play, audiences get to watch from the safety of their seats as characters wrestle with what comes next, always hoping for a happy ending. During its 2026-27 season, the University of Oregon’s University Theatre is producing four shows that promise to take audiences on a cathartic and rewarding journey, beginning in November with "Noises Off."

DISABILITY STUDIES, ENGLISH — After several years on hiatus, the Northwest Review has relaunched as an independent, nonprofit digital magazine produced in partnership with the University of Oregon. Jefferson Public Radio interviewed editor-in-chief and instructor Brian Trapp about the relaunch.

ENGLISH, IRES, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES — Professors Sarah D. Wald and Ashley Cordes contributed to this article in "Resilience" to offer concrete steps any person or organization can take to continue to stand for inclusive and intersectional environmentalism.

HUMANITIES — More than a year after the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) canceled approximately $175 million in grants nationwide, two College of Arts and Sciences professors are feeling optimistic about the future of the humanities after two days in Washington, D.C., advocating for the humanities.

LINGUISTICS - Strong mentorship helps graduate students develop as scholars while honoring the unique experiences, identities, and goals they bring to their work. Mentors help students identify their strengths, navigate challenges, and imagine new possibilities. Linguistics Assistant Professor Guillem Belmar-Viernes and Jessica Cronce (College of Education) are winners of the Excellence in Mentorship Award for Faculty Mentors, provide mentorship that recognizes the whole student.