Luther College Announces Professors Selected for Endowed Chairs, Professorships and Fellowships

Without your donation, some stories vanish. Support Decorah News. DECORAH — Nine Luther College faculty members have been awarded endowed chairs, professorships and fellowships to honor their commitment to teaching and research. Created by gifts from Luther community members, the endowed roles provide funds for special projects for each recipient. The recognition also supports the college's identity as a community dedicated to academic excellence and the development of well-rounded individuals. "Every chair, professorship and fellowship has been established to further the mission of Luther, and each reminds us of the college's commitment to academic excellence and the power of the liberal arts," Provost Pam Bacon said. Molly McNicoll, Nena Amundson Distinguished ProfessorshipMolly McNicoll, associate professor of biology and natural areas manager, will serve as the next Nena Amundson Distinguished Professor. The professorship is named for Nena Amundson (Class of 1956, 1932-1999), who taught physical education and coached women's athletics for more than 40 years. "Many of us are disconnected from nature in our modern society … there is accumulating research and cultural knowledge that indicates we are healthier when we intentionally connect with nature daily," McNicoll said. The award is competitive, based on the selection committee's evaluation of project proposals, particularly those focusing on health and wellness issues for women. McNicoll's project is titled "Wellness Steps Through Nature." Richard Mtisi, Kermit O. and Jane E. Hanson Professorship in HistoryRichard Mtisi, associate professor of Africana studies and history, will serve as the next Kermit O. and Jane E. Hanson Professor in History. The professorship is named for Kermit O. Hanson (Class of 1938, 1916-2010) and Jane E. Hanson (Class of 1939, 1916-2010). "It is truly an honor to be recognized as the Hanson Professor of History at Luther," Mtisi said. Guy Nave, Wilford A. Johnson Chair in Biblical StudiesGuy Nave, professor of religion, will serve as the next Wilford A. Johnson Chair in Biblical Studies. The chair honors the memory of Wilford A. Johnson and his son, Herbert G. Johnson, and recognizes the value of Christian higher education. "It's an honor to receive the Wilford A. Johnson Chair in Biblical Studies," Nave said. Amy Weldon, Dennis M. Jones Chair in the HumanitiesAmy Weldon, professor of English and head of the English department, will serve as the next Dennis M. Jones Chair in the Humanities. This chair is awarded to faculty who honor the traditions of the humanities and enrich the intellectual life of students. Orçun Selçuk, Rev. John and Barbara Melin Professor in International StudiesOrçun Selçuk, associate professor of political science and director of the international studies program, will serve as the first Rev. John and Barbara Melin Professor in International Studies. "I am honored to be the inaugural John and Barbara Melin Professor in International Studies," Selçuk said. Robert Christman, Martin and Mary Hull Mohr Professorship in Renaissance and Reformation StudiesRobert Christman, professor of history and head of the history department, will serve as the first Martin and Mary Hull Mohr Professor in Renaissance and Reformation Studies. "It is a great honor to be selected as the inaugural chair," Christman said. Jodi Enos-Berlage, Russell R. Rulon Endowed Chair in BiologyJodi Enos-Berlage, professor of biology, will serve as the next Russell R. Rulon Endowed Chair in Biology. "I am humbled to be the recipient of the Rulon Endowed Chair," Enos-Berlage said. Char Kunkel, Wardell Professorship in SociologyChar Kunkel, professor of sociology and head of the identity studies department, will serve as the first Wardell Professor in Sociology. "I am honored to hold the position because Mark loved sociology and wanted to ensure its continuance at Luther College," Kunkel said. Wanda Deifelt, Marilyn Roverud Endowed Fellowship in Lutheran StudiesWanda Deifelt, professor of religion, received a Marilyn Roverud Endowed Fellowship in Lutheran Studies. Her fellowship research proposal focuses on Martin Luther's embodied political theology and addresses how his marriage to Katharina von Bora and the Peasants' Revolt shaped his views of vocation. Each fall, Luther College announces the recipients of endowed chairs, professorships and fellowships. This year, the announcement was part of Opening Convocation on Sept. 4 in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. Make your inbox your go-to for local news! Sign up for the free newsletter and get timely updates, special features, and more.