The newly formed Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research has encountered a set-back under the University of Wyoming’s new administration.
The previous administration approved $60,000 in grant funding for faculty projects in the humanities. Grants would have funded projects like books, articles, exhibits, or lectures.
But UW President Bob Sternberg Thursday asked the Institute to cancel its request for proposals. Director Eric Sandeen says “the commitment of the university to the humanities stands,” but there will be revisions to the Institute’s financial plan.
University communications director Chad Baldwin says President Sternberg is supportive of the Institute but he’s slowing the process down to develop the concept in more detail. Sandeen calls the shift a “repackaging, not a setback.” He adds the Institute for Humanities Research will still be sponsoring five visiting lectures this fall.