Director’s Fund for Excellence in Latin American Studies

February 20, 2023

The Institute for the Study of the Americas (ISA) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge of the Latin American experience in the Western Hemisphere.

As one of the world’s greatest research universities, UNC-Chapel Hill aims to serve not only North Carolina and the United States but also the world. This emphasis on a global perspective led an anonymous donor to establish the Director’s Fund for Excellence in Latin American Studies — a fund that provides resources to the Institute for the Study of the Americas for faculty and student support, course development, summer internships and public lectures.

The Institute has hosted prominent scholars in Latin American studies, including Bonnie Lucero (Ph.D. ’13), who completed her doctorate in history at Carolina and is now the Neville G. Penrose Chair in Latin American Studies and History at Texas Christian University. Lucero gave a talk on the role of race and racism in the U.S. military occupation of Cuba from 1899-1902, providing students, faculty and community members with a deeper look into this pivotal time in U.S. and Latin American history.

“We are grateful to the Director’s Fund for enabling us to bring nationally renowned scholars to Chapel Hill to address matters of current interest and national importance,” said Louis Pérez, the J. Carlyle Sitterson Professor of History and director of the Institute for the Study of the Americas. “These scholars oftentimes share new knowledge and engage with students and faculty members, providing richly rewarding experiences for all who participate in these important events each year.”