Blair LM Kelley Takes Over as President of National Humanities Center, Ushering in a New Era

Blair LM Kelley Appointed as President of National Humanities Center

The National Humanities Center (NHC) has made a monumental decision by appointing Dr. Blair LM Kelley as its new president and director, following a nationwide search. This transition is set to enhance the Center's ability to continue its vital role in supporting humanities research and education, building on nearly five decades of impactful work.

Dr. Kelley, who previously held the position of Joel R. Williamson Distinguished Professor of Southern Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, brings with her an impressive track record in academia and leadership. She has also served as the director of the Center for the Study of the American South and co-directed Southern Futures, further cementing her contributions to the field of Southern Studies. Additionally, Kelley spent over 20 years at North Carolina State University, where she was instrumental as an administrator, including her role as associate dean of interdisciplinary affairs.

Her scholarly achievements are notable, particularly in the areas concerning the experiences of Black Americans and the legacies of social movements. Dr. Kelley has been widely recognized for her work, including her bestselling book Black Folk: The Roots of the Black Working Class, which won several prestigious awards such as the 2024 Brooklyn Library Book Award and the 2024 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Book Award. Her contributions to the discourse surrounding race, labor, and activism have been essential in linking historical narratives to current issues.

Kelley’s expertise is not just limited to academia. She is a sought-after commentator and has featured on numerous national platforms including NPR’s Marketplace, MSNBC, and various other podcasts and publications, such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. Her insights into contemporary issues are grounded in a strong understanding of historical contexts.

Expressing her excitement about the new role, Dr. Kelley stated, “I am deeply honored to join the National Humanities Center as its seventh president. The Center has been a beacon for nearly 50 years, providing a vital space for intellectual inquiry and connection among scholars and educators.” She emphasized the importance of advocating for the humanities, particularly in today’s society where these fields are crucial for addressing complex challenges.

Rishi Jaitly, the interim chair of the NHC’s board of trustees, voiced enthusiasm for Dr. Kelley’s leadership, stating, “Her exceptional scholarly record and commitment to impactful public engagement make her the ideal candidate to lead the Center into its next chapter.”

As Kelley takes on her new role, she aims to expand the Center’s reach and impact, with specific goals of enhancing its fellowship program, creating new initiatives for emerging scholars and instructors, and promoting the essential role of humanities in various societal challenges.

In addition to her impressive academic credentials—holding a BA from the University of Virginia and a PhD from Duke University—Kelley is also recognized as a fellow of the Society of American Historians. Her arrival at the NHC marks a new milestone as she is the first woman, the first person of color, and also the first NHC Fellow to take on the presidency. This represents a significant shift towards inclusivity in leadership roles in the humanities.

As the National Humanities Center embarks on this new chapter with Dr. Kelley at the helm, it stands poised to continue enriching the humanities landscape, ensuring that scholarly pursuits remain relevant and accessible to broader audiences across the nation and the world. Kelley’s vision promises to keep the Center’s legacy alive while navigating through an ever-evolving cultural landscape.

The NHC, a nonprofit based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is dedicated to facilitating research and dialogue about the human experience, ultimately striving to improve society through a deeper understanding of the humanities. Dr. Kelley’s leadership is anticipated to invigorate this mission and inspire future generations to engage with the humanities in transformative ways.