History of the Center
The Center for Prairie Studies was created in 1999 through the college's "Fund for Excellence." The underlying premise is to better utilize the college’s location as a teaching and learning resource. The name "prairie studies" was selected to acknowledge our inescapable connection to the land and also because of its resonance with such varied subjects as prairie style architecture, prairie populism, and the prairie-plains indigenous culture area. From its inception, the Center for Prairie Studies has been strongly committed to bringing together scientific and humanistic perspectives on the natural and cultural aspects of our region, past and present. Encompassing all of these particulars are concerns about place and the necessity of living sustainably in place.
The Center enjoys special relationships with the college's Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA), a biological preserve located ten miles from campus, and the Faulconer Gallery, with which the Center frequently collaborates on exhibitions and special projects.
Staff
| Jonathan Andelson director and professor of anthropology Macy House 202 641-269-3139 Contact Jonathan |
Larissa Mottl outreach coordinator Macy House 204 641-269-4717 Contact Larissa |
Jan Graham program associate Macy House 203 641-269-4384 Contact Jan |
Advisory Board Members
| Faculty Members: Doug Caulkins (anthropology) Lesley Delmenico (theater) Michael Guenther (history) Liz Queathem (biology) Catherine Rod (library, college archivist) John Whittaker (anthropology)
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Student Members: Elena Jaffer '14 Kayla Koether '12 Robert Logan '13 Jack Menner '13 Sam Mulopulos '14 Dana Utroske '13 Shirlie Yang '13 |
| Staff Members: Chris Bair (environmental and safety coordinator) Dan McCue (assistant director of Alumni Relations) Larissa Mottl (CERA Manager) Lesley Wright (Faulconer Gallery) |
Community Members: Bob Brierly Sandy Moffett Ann Stillman |
