News&Notes S PR I N G/S U M M E R 2 02 1
College completes historic cohort hire
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he College of Arts and Letters completed its first-ever Tiffany González (history), Graciela Perez (justice studies), Rachel faculty cohort hire—designed to expand teaching and Torres (political science), Cyril Uy (philosophy and religion) and research expertise in the areas of racial and social justice, Ja’La Wourman (writing, rhetoric and technical communication). Collectively, these scholars bring to JMU expertise in Islamic studminority cultures and critical race studies—in March. ies, immigration, racial inequality, Latinx The initiative was led by the college’s dean, Robert D. Aguirre, to “Our new colleagues bring politics and social justice. “To say that these hires are a game elevate curricular, intellectual and faculty energy, creativity and changer for JMU is to understate their diversity across the humanities and social insight to help the univerimpact.” Aguirre said. “Our new colsciences, as well as to bring in scholars with sity address the abiding leagues bring energy, creativity and built-in intellectual and collegial networks. issues of our time.” insight to help the university address the The new faculty members are Tatiana abiding issues of our times.” Benjamin (justice studies), Deborwah — ROBERT D. AGUIRRE, Faulk (sociology and anthropology), — Ciara Brennan (’17) dean, College of Arts and Letters
(L–R): Tatiana Benjamin, Tiffany González, Rachel Torres, Ja’La Wourman, Deborwah Faulk, Graciela Perez and Cyril Uy.
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I LLU ST R AT I O N BY S M A RT B OY1 0/G E T T Y; PE R EZ PH OTO G R A PH BY LO G A N & CO. M UA