Jimmy Bryan, director of Lamar University’s Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Gulf Coast outlined the upcoming programs during a launch event, Aug. 24, in the Reaud Administration Building. UP photo by Gracie Anderson
Lamar University’s Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Gulf Coast held a launch event, Aug. 24, in the Reaud Administration Building where director Jimmy Bryan outlined the Center’s plans for the year.
“We are trying to encourage research and creativity that is centered around our region, the greater Gulf,” Bryan said.
Jimmy Bryan UP photo by Gracie Anderson
Cultural research that CHC fellows will present includes a romance novel, musicology and folklore, as well as the third annual Greater Gulf Symposium.
“These programs will give us an opportunity to showcase folks from both inside and outside of the university,” Bryan said. “Not only do we try to showcase the work they are doing, but we try to engage them with students on campus.”
One key factor the Center would like to emphasize this year is the culture of Southeast Texas and the Greater Gulf.
Interim assistant director Adam Nemeers said the Center’s programs will seek to balance the history and culture aspects of the program.
“Most of the faculty with the Center are history faculty, however, we do not want to give the culture a short shrift,” he said.
The programs scheduled include “Country Hood (Love Stories)” by Monica Waters; “Swamp Pop” by Rachel Stiles; and “Finding Myself Lost in Louisiana” by Keagan LeJeune.
“We are working on programs where our speakers can do a workshop or have a sit down in a class with our students,” Bryan said.
Faculty may apply for research fellowships up to $5,000. Applications will open in January.
“Those who participated in Humanities, Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Education and Business — or HASBSEB — Conference and the Expo Center are eligible for $200 cash awards for the best projects that are related to Southeast Texas and the Greater Gulf,” Bryan said.
For more information, visit www.lamar.edu/arts-sciences/research-centers/center-for-history-and-culture.