The University of Waterloo is pleased to welcome Dr. Priscilla Layne as the Right Honourable John G. Diefenbaker Memorial Chair in German Literary Studies. An internationally recognized scholar in German literature, film, Afrofuturism and Black German studies, Layne joins Waterloo after 15 years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Her appointment reflects Waterloo’s continued success in attracting leading international scholars whose work bridges disciplines and connects global and local conversations.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Layne joining us as our first hire for the School of Critical and Creative Humanities,” says Dr. Alexie Tcheuyap, Dean of the Faculty of Arts. “With her multi-disciplinary background, her scholarship is a natural fit for creating collaborative opportunities in research and teaching in the Faculty of Arts.”
As the third scholar to hold the Diefenbaker Chair, a donor-funded endowed research position established in 2007 through the generosity of a private philanthropic foundation, Layne will also lead the Waterloo Centre for German Studies (WCGS), helping expand its role in research, teaching and public engagement.
A destination for humanities scholarship
For Layne, the opportunity offers the chance to lead one of Canada’s leading centres for German studies, while joining a university with a strong reputation for interdisciplinary collaboration.
“The WCGS is a unique space committed to hosting interesting events that cater to the local community but also branch out to connect scholars and students internationally,” Layne says. “Waterloo itself has an excellent reputation, and there are many scholars here in fields adjacent to mine. The start of the new School of Critical and Creative Humanities will allow me to make those kinds of cross-disciplinary connections.”
Read the full story in Waterloo News: Waterloo welcomes next Diefenbaker Chair