Campbell Joins Federation of State Humanities Councils' Board

Northern Michigan University Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Shawnrece Campbell is among six humanities leaders elected to the Board of the Federation of State Humanities Councils at the Federation's annual business meeting Nov. 16.

"Serving on a board that champions the humanities is both an honor and a profound joy," Campbell said. "Having come up the academic ranks as a humanities professor, I am deeply enthusiastic about fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural understanding-foundations that enrich society and nurture our shared human experience. I am excited to contribute my passion and expertise to support this vital mission."

The Federation advocates for increased investment in and engagement with the national network of humanities councils. Its mission is to support, connect and amplify the work and voices of its members, demonstrating councils' value for communities and their collective impact on civic health and cultural vibrancy.

The board is made up of executive directors of State Humanities Councils and professionals from universities and community colleges, philanthropy, historical societies, museums, and arts advocacy. Federation Board members are selected for their ability to devote significant time, energy, and enthusiasm to supporting the Federation as the national voice of the councils - this means willingness to work as an active and committed board member.

"This extraordinary group of new Board members brings a deep commitment to the impact the humanities have in our everyday lives," said Federation President Phoebe Stein. "They also bring an important diversity of perspectives at a time when communities need bridge-building. We are grateful for their willingness to serve at a time when we need the humanities-and the reflection and connection they invite-more than ever."

Campbell is a member of the inaugural Michigan Humanities Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Committee, the MSI Aspiring Leaders Program, and the Lake Superior Leadership Academy Class of 2025. She has also served on the National Council for Black Studies Board of Directors and on the AAUW Florida Board of Directors.

Prior to joining Northern, Campbell served as the Dean of Liberal Arts & the Director of the School of Art, Media, & Communication at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. She is the co-author of Toni Morrison's Secret Drive: A Reader-Response Study of the Fiction and Its Rhetoric. Campbell obtained her PhD from Kent State University, her MBA from Stetson University, her MA from Youngstown State University, and her BA from John Carroll University.

Learn more about the Federation Board here: https://www.statehumanities.org/board/.