College of Humanities Dean Alain-Philippe Durand is the newest member of the Arizona Humanities Council board of directors.

Appointed to a three-year term, Durand is the only University of Arizona representative on the Arizona Humanities Council, as well as the only board member from Tucson. Durand will use his position to advocate for more public involvement in the humanities and increase the College of Humanities outreach activities in connection with the Arizona Humanities Council programming.

“The humanities are central and critical to the outreach mission of a land-grant university. As a member of the Arizona Humanities Board, I will promote the vision that the humanities provide us with skills that are tremendously helpful and marketable regardless of the careers/life we choose,” Durand said.

Incoming Board Chair Ryan Bruce, executive director of The Bisbee Radio Project, said the Arizona Humanities Council is pleased to welcome Durand to the board.

“Over the last few years, AZ Humanities has worked hard to develop a board that represents the pursuit of humanities in all of its forms from points throughout the state of Arizona. Dr. Durand helps develop the organization’s relationship with the University of Arizona and the scholarship taking place in Tucson,” he said. “We look forward to Dr. Durand’s advocacy work for the humanities on the collegiate level, as well as his expertise on the board as Dean of the Humanities College at the University of Arizona." 

Founded in 1973, the Arizona Humanities Council supports public programs that promote understanding of the human experience with cultural, educational and non-profit organizations across Arizona.