Thanks to the generosity of the late Dr. Iris Annette Pearce, Rhodes College enjoys an unusually wide range of Shakespeare-related resources. The Pearce Shakespeare Endowment was established in 2007 to enrich courses in Shakespeare and support events for the entire campus.

Funds generated by Dr. Pearce’s gift aid Shakespeare studies through lectures by visiting scholars; conferences and symposia; support for research; productions of plays; periods of residence by performing artists; and other innovative programming to enhance Shakespeare at Rhodes and in the greater Memphis community. These events strengthen the many programs across the College in which Shakespeare’s works are studied, including British Studies, English, Music, Political Science, Search, and Theatre. Additionally, the Center for Outreach in the Development of the Arts (CODA) regularly subsidizes tickets for local Shakespeare productions.

Most recently, on 11/11/11, we hosted an exciting international symposium on the 400th anniversary of the "King James" Bible. (You can download the flyer of 1611-related events.)

"The Pearce Endowment for Shakespeare Studies gives Rhodes students like myself opportunities unavailable to most undergraduates. The visiting scholars on campus have provided me with expert insight into issues I was addressing in the final research paper for my Shakespeare course; their willingness to personally discuss my project with me was overwhelmingly helpful. With the Pearce Endowment, Rhodes students can look forward to an even more enhanced intellectual education." --Lauren Oxner, ′10