NEH AWARDS GRANTS TO ENRICH THE HUMANITIES AT SIX HISTORICALLY BLACK, HISPANIC-SERVING, AND TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Grants designed to increase capacity to teach, conduct research, and enhance learning

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 9, 2005)--Six Historically Black, Hispanic-Serving, and Tribal Colleges and Universities have received institutional grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). These grants increase the institutions' capacity to conduct research and strengthen undergraduate learning in the humanities.

"America is a stronger, more educated, and optimistic country because of these institutions," said NEH Chairman Bruce Cole. "From faculty research on the African Diaspora, Latin America literature, and Navajo linguistics, students are experiencing the best of the humanities through scholarly research, teaching, and learning. NEH is proud to remain a strong supporter of these institutions."

Grants up to $25,000 support projects developed by each institution to enhance its educational capabilities in the humanities. For example, projects can support teams of faculty in professional development activities focused on humanities topics and related to curriculum development efforts. Grants also may be used for visiting humanities consultants, library materials, or other equipment or supplies. Institutions may conduct projects in cooperation with other educational or cultural institutions in the interest of building long-term partnerships in the humanities.

The following Historically Black, Hispanic-Serving, and Tribal Colleges and Universities received institutional grants from NEH:

• Diné College, Tsaile, Ariz., received $24,931 for a project to have seven teachers of the Navajo language review features of Navajo linguistics that apply to the teaching of the language, including a series of workshops based on the research and publications of renowned linguist Dr. Robert Young.
• New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, received $25,000 for a year-long seminar series led by visiting scholars to strengthen the interdisciplinary humanities program at New Mexico State University.
• St. Augustine's College, Raleigh, N.C., received $24,982 for a project to have six faculty members study the history and literature of the African Diaspora to develop a senior seminar in the Department of English, expand interdisciplinary course offerings, and build related major and minor programs.
• University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, received $25,000 for a project to study the multiple representations of the city in 20th-century Latin American literature and thereby strengthen the content of the existing first-year humanities courses.
• Texas A & M University at Kingsville, received $24,964 for a year-long series of workshops in Hispanic Studies for faculty from four Texas A&M campuses, with the aim of developing a cooperative doctoral program in Hispanic Studies.
• Norfolk State University, Va., received $25,000 for a project to explore the African Diaspora through a series of lectures, workshops, discussions, and courses of study to be held at Norfolk State University.