After more than a decade of visionary leadership and lasting impact, Professor Antoinette Burton has decided to step down after completing her second five-year term as director of the Humanities Research Institute (HRI), effective August 15, 2026. A campus-wide search to fill the position is underway.  

The director will provide visionary leadership to ensure the institute’s position as a world leader in interdisciplinary and convergent research, training, and outreach of the highest quality, transcending the traditional university organizations, units and structures. Faculty members with an interest in leadership in the humanities and beyond are encouraged to apply. Deans and department heads/chairs may nominate faculty members (please submit by Monday, January 5, 2026). Application materials are due by Monday, January 12, 2026. Read the full description and application requirements.