Smith's East Asian Studies Program Bolstered by Luce Grant

Thanks to a grant awarded for the first time to Smith from the Henry Luce Foundation, the college will create a new faculty position in East Asian studies. The grant, which will cover salary and benefits for an assistant professor for four years, will also provide annual program funding of $10,000 to support the East Asian Studies Program. Grants are made on the condition that each recipient school will continue the position on a permanent basis after the Luce support expires.

Eleven U.S. colleges were selected for the award from among 53 that submitted proposals. More than 160 colleges nationwide were eligible to compete. The awards were granted based on the creativity and promise of each proposal as well as a demonstration of commitment to curriculum diversity, strength of existing resources, geographic location of the college, a long-range strategy for Asian studies and other criteria.

"We are both gratified and excited," says Provost John Connolly. "Through this wonderful new Luce program Smith will now be able to expand its already strong offerings in the field of East Asia by adding a crucial social scientific dimension."

The Luce Fund for Asian Studies is a $12-million initiative created earlier this year to promote Asia's social, economic, political and strategic significance among institutions of higher education. "We salute the first wave of winners in this program," said foundation chairman and CEO Henry Luce III in a recent press release. "They are excellent colleges whose imaginative programs reflect clear vision and sustained commitment to the study of Asia."

A search is under way for Smith's Luce professor. The position will be an entry-level assistant professor in anthropology with a commitment to the East Asian Studies program.

The Henry Luce Foundation was established in 1936 by the late Henry R. Luce, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Time, Inc. The foundation supports programs focusing on American art, East Asia, higher education, public affairs, theology and women in science.

September 28, 1999