Background
In 2008, Rhodes College received a major grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to strengthen environmental studies initiatives at Rhodes and to fund three postdoctoral positions. Professors Tait Keller in History, Rob Lusteck in Anthropology/Sociology, and Jennifer Dabbs Sciubba in International Studies bring a new perspective to Rhodes as the core Environmental Studies faculty. The Mellon Fellows add depth and breadth to the curriculum and contribute to the College’s strengths in interdisciplinary learning that crosses traditional departmental boundaries.
The Mellon Fellows also contribute to “Beyond the Gates” learning that enables students to broaden the connections between the classroom and the community. The positions enable the Environmental Program to build upon existing partnerships with such organizations as the Memphis Zoo, the Wolf River Conservancy, the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, and Midtown North Community Association.
