Impact Report

Change the frame. Lead the conversation.

For 25 years, The Humanities Institute (THI) at UC Santa Cruz has pushed boundaries—sparking research, empowering students, and engaging the public.

The Humanities are about seeing differently. They inspire us to reimagine society, rethink human experiences, and create deeper connections across campus, across disciplines, and across communities. The Humanities Institute is a dynamic hub where ideas are tested, knowledge is created and shared, and new perspectives emerge. With innovative programs, powerful partnerships, and a commitment to making the Humanities accessible, we change the frame.

Three Pillars of The Humanities Institute

Research Excellence

At the heart of The Humanities Institute is the groundbreaking work of faculty and student scholars. Over the last 25 years, THI has funded over 1,400 fellowships and nearly 100 research clusters and groups that connect scholars across disciplines to address pressing questions about the nature of our world, ourselves, and what we owe each other. Many of these groups have evolved into key centers that serve the entire campus, including the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) and the Center for the Middle East and North Africa (CMENA). These collaborations don’t just deepen knowledge—they transform what it means to do research in the Humanities.

Student Success

Students are central to THI’s mission. Undergraduate and graduate students bring fresh ideas and creativity that spark innovation. By directly funding student research and expanding experiential learning opportunities, THI equips students with the skills and confidence to become tomorrow’s thought leaders and change-makers. Our programs go beyond the classroom, bridging the gap between theory and practice. They help to equip students with confidence, curiosity, and skills that prepare them to lead once they graduate.

Public Engagement

At THI, we take seriously our role of creating a classroom in the public square, a space for meaningful dialogue where scholars and the public collaborate in thinking about complex issues. THI partners with organizations across Santa Cruz and beyond to bring influential scholars and public thinkers to the community. Past speakers include Madeleine Albright, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Malcolm Gladwell, Toni Morrison, Reyna Grande, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Colson Whitehead. From exploring Filipino migration histories to examining the role of technology in combating antisemitism, THI events encourage audiences to engage critically with ideas and their relevance in today’s world.

Bold leadership for a bold future

In the last quarter century, The Humanities Institute has set the standard for research, student success, and public engagement in the Humanities. We are a global leader, and our work is more relevant than ever.

As we marked 25 years in 2024-2025, we launched a refreshed website and anniversary campaign, premiered a 25th anniversary video, and were featured in UC Santa Cruz magazine with an introduction from Chancellor Larive. We also received a certificate from Assemblymember Gail Pellerin in recognition of our support for research, student success, and public scholarship that connects the university to the world.

Our success has brought us more opportunities, more innovative ideas to fund, more students to support, and more communities to reach. To realize our bold vision, we need your partnership. Join us. Make an impact.