Campus & Community

In the wake of the Great Recession, U.S. undergraduate degrees conferred in English language or literature fell roughly a quarter. Yet over the last three years, WashU’s English major has grown by about 30% — reflecting changes to how the department recruits, supports and communicates with undergraduate students.

Matthew Kerr, professor of mathematics and statistics in Arts & Sciences, received a $164,784 grant from the National Science Foundation for a project titled “Asymptotic Hodge Theory, Fibered Motives and Algebraic Cycles.”

A new round of recently awarded Global Incubator Seed Grants from the McDonnell International Scholars Academy will help kick-start more than a dozen high-impact, innovative projects taking place on five continents.

Asquith S. “Sean” Armstrong, executive director for continuing education at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, has been named dean of University College at Washington University in St. Louis, effective Nov. 1. 

The Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity is accepting applications for funding opportunities. Faculty affiliates are invited to design a new graduate-level seminar for the 2022-23 academic year. The deadline is Oct. 15.

The Office of the Provost has launched “Return and Reset,” a collection of programs and resources designed to help faculty navigate the new academic year.  Programming kicks off Sept. 15.

All Washington University in St. Louis faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and trainees are eligible for a free membership to the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity, a national leader in professional development, training and mentoring.

Applications are being accepted for the Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Leukemia Career Enhancement Program. Interested junior researchers should apply by Sept. 15.

Nancy Staudt, dean of the School of Law and the Howard & Caroline Cayne Distinguished Professor of Law at Washington University in St. Louis, will conclude her deanship and leave the university Oct. 1.

In his bimonthly letter to alumni, Chancellor Andrew Martin wraps up an unprecedented academic year and looks forward to the new school year beginning in a few weeks.