UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The University is seeking nominees for the role of 2020-21 Penn State Laureate, with nomination materials due by Monday, Jan. 18, 2020.

The endowed annual position of Penn State Laureate was established in 2008 to bring greater visibility to the arts and humanities (a thematic priority in Penn State’s Strategic Plan) and the honoree’s work, and to enrich the University.

The Penn State Laureate is a full-time faculty member who is assigned half-time to this role for one academic year. The Laureate has opportunities throughout the year to bring his or her artistic perspectives to a variety of audiences, including visits to Commonwealth Campuses and communities statewide.

The 2019-20 Laureate, William Doan, is engaging Pennsylvanians by exploring the intersections of art, science and health through interactive experiences — including performances, workshops and discussions — that address issues related to living with anxiety and depression. The 2018-19 Laureate, John Champagne, toured Pennsylvania to ask probing questions about — and offer a historical perspective on — the role of the artist in times of political turmoil.

Nominations for the 2020-21 Penn State Laureate are encouraged from across the University, and self-nominations are welcome. A nomination packet should include a one-page letter addressed to Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Kathleen Bieschke articulating how the individual would be an exceptional Laureate. It also should include the nominee’s curriculum vitae comprising no more than 20 pages.

Submit nomination materials via email to vpfa@psu.edu, with relevant documents attached, or hand-delivered by that date to the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs in 201 Old Main.

A list of past Penn State Laureates is available on the website for the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.