Established in 2024, the Spence Wilson Center for Interdisciplinary Humanities brings communities together to address complex, global questions through humanistic inquiry. At the college, the Humanities include Africana Studies; Ancient Mediterranean Studies; Asian Studies; English; Gender and Sexuality Studies; History; Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies (JIMES); Latin American and Latinx Studies; Modern Languages and Literatures; Philosophy; and Religious Studies, as well as the Foundations Programs in the Humanities.
"At a time when the whole world is talking about non-human artificial intelligence and its implications, we at Rhodes are committed to providing an education that promotes independent critical thinking, fosters human originality and creativity, advances knowledge of the distinctive products of human culture, and encourages civil discourse. The humanities matter at Rhodes.” — Tim Huebner, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
September 18: Danielle Allen, “The Declaration of Independence Today: Why an Old Text Still Serves us Now” (McNeill Concert Hall, 6pm)
Email: newstoks@rhodes.edu
Office: (901) 843-3744
Email: houcke@rhodes.edu
Office: (901) 843-3573
Gordon Bigelow, Professor and Chair of English
Charles Hughes, Associate Professor of History and Urban Studies
Abou-Bakar Mamah, Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies
Sarah Rollens, Associate Professor and Chair of Religious Studies
Susan Satterfield, Associate Professor and Chair of Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Stephen Wirls, Professor of Philosophy
ABOUT SPENCE WILSON: The center bears the name of respected Memphis businessman and philanthropist Spence Wilson, who has been a long-time supporter of Rhodes. Wilson served on the board for more than 40 years, nine as chairman. Wilson also has been a dedicated advocate and supporter of the humanities at Rhodes, and the Spence L. Wilson Distinguished Chair in Humanities was established more than a decade ago as an outgrowth of his involvement and love for the faculty and his long-term commitment to the humanities and the Memphis community. Having this center bear his name honors that commitment and highlights the humanities’ importance at Rhodes and positions it to serve as a national model. In 2009, Wilson was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from the college. He and his wife, Becky, created the Spence L. Wilson Service Scholarship Program and the Spence Wilson Faculty International Travel Fund at Rhodes. They are members of the Peyton Nalle Rhodes Society, which recognizes the college’s most generous supporters. In addition, Wilson serves as a member of the Council of Emeriti Trustees at Rhodes.
Keep in Touch
If you would like to be added to the Wilson Center email list, please fill out this form. For more information, please email WilsonCenter@rhodes.edu.
