Blair LM Kelley has been named the seventh president of the National Humanities Center, making her the first woman, the first person of color, and the first NHC Fellow to lead the institution.
Based in Durham, North Carolina, the National Humanities Center is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scholarship in all areas of the humanities. The institution provides fellowships and research opportunities for scholars; offers professional development and classroom resources for educators; and develops initiatives to advance appreciation for the humanities.
Dr. Kelley comes to her new role from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was the Joel R. Williamson Distinguished Professor of Southern Studies, director of the Center for the Study of the American South, and co-director of Southern Futures. Earlier, she spent two decades on the faculty at North Carolina State University.
As a scholar, Dr. Kelley focuses on the lives of Black Americans and the history of social movements. Through her work, she helps to connect historical narratives about race, labor and activism with contemporary issues. She is the author of several scholarly publications including the recent bestselling book, Black Folk: The Roots of the Black Working Class (Liveright, 2023).
“I am deeply honored to join the National Humanities Center as its seventh president,” said Dr. Kelley. “For nearly 50 years, the Center has been a beacon; a vital space for intellectual inquiry and connection for academic scholars and educators. At a time when supporting the humanities means more than ever, I am proud to have the opportunity to lead a space committed to fostering transformative scholarship, intellectual community, and broad public engagement. I look forward to working with the talented team at the Center, its esteemed fellows, and our network of partners to amplify the voices of humanities scholars and educators. It is a vital moment to advocate for richer understandings of the past, our present, and a more just and equitable future.”
Dr. Kelley received her bachelor’s degree in history and African and African American studies from the University of Virginia. She holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in history from Duke University.
photo credit: Phillip MacDonald