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 division includes faculty working in Africana Studies; Ancient Mediterranean Studies; Asian and Asian American Studies; English; Environmental Studies; Gender and Sexuality Studies; History; Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies (JIMES); Latin American and Latinx Studies; Linguistics; Modern Languages and Literatures; Philosophy; and Religious Studies, as well as the Search Program and historical approaches to other disciplines (e.g. Art, Media, Music). In addition to hosting public events and co-sponsoring humanities-related programming at Rhodes, the Wilson Center provides internal faculty support for innovative research; collaborative teaching; and interdisciplinary reading groups and writing retreats.
"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
2025 - 2026 Humanities Events at Rhodes
Fall 2026 Humanities Events at Rhodes
September 15–30: French Film Festival
September 24: Dr. Gideon Park lecture (5pm, location TBA)
October 1: Robert Macfarlane, Is a River Alive? This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required, as seating is limited. Any unclaimed seats will be released at 5:55pm on the day of the event. (6pm, McNeill Concert Hall, East Campus)
October 14: Brad Onishi lecture,"American Caesar: How Theocrats and Tech Lords Are Turning America into a Monarchy" (6pm, Oct. 14; Location TBA)
October 21: Catherine John-Camara lecture
October 27–November 4: Nick Hutchison, Pearce Shakespeare Endowment residency
Email: newstoks@rhodes.edu
Office: (901) 843-3744
Elizabeth Houck
Email: houcke@rhodes.edu
Office: (901) 843-3573
Wilson Center Advisory Board
Charles Hughes, Associate Professor of History and Urban Studies
David Rupke, Professor of Physics
Sarah Rollens, Associate Professor and Chair of Religious Studies
Susan Satterfield, Professor and Chair of Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Etty Terem, Professor of History and Chair of Jewish, Islamic and Middle East Studies
Stephen Wirls, Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE) Program
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.