Dr. Kevin James was appointed Director of the Centre for Scottish Studies in the Department of History at the University of Guelph, and as Scottish Studies Foundation chair on June 1, 2020.
"The appointment to such a prestigious chair at the University of Guelph brings strength and distinction to the Tri-U. The ability to offer a Scottish PhD major field is significant and helps to attract a number of excellent students," says Dr. Jane Nicholas, Director of the Tri-University History Program.
Lisa Baer-Tsarfati, a PhD student who works with the Centre and the International Review of Scottish Studies appreciates what the Centre offers to students. She has gained useful non-academic skills, valued "the remarkable collection of Scottish manuscript material," and expresses gratitude for research funding for a trip to Scotland. "I am truly grateful for the opportunities my association with the Centre for Scottish Studies has given me and am excited to continue my work with the Centre under the direction of Professor James," she says.
Founded in 1968, the Centre for Scottish Studies is the oldest such centre in North America. It is the world leader in research and graduate teaching in Scottish history and culture outside of Scotland with a special focus on the Canadian Scottish community. Dr. James says,
It is humbling but exciting to be entrusted to carry the Centre for Scottish Studies mandate forward in partnership with the Scottish Studies Foundation and the larger community in the years ahead.
For more details, see the Foundation's announcement.