The College of Arts and Science has named Phong Nguyen as the next director of Mizzou’s Center for the Humanities beginning July 1, 2026.
Nguyen, professor and Miller Family Endowed Chair of Writing and Director of Creative Writing in the Department of English, has helped shape the center’s direction since before its launch in 2023, including collaborating on the original language of its mission as a member of the executive committee. Nguyen developed and led the Veteran’s Humanities Initiative, one of the center’s signature programs, and has planned and overseen its events.
As director, Nguyen will work with faculty in the humanities to identify challenges and support research that connects humanities scholarship to broader conversations. He will continue developing the Cross-Generational Research Initiative, which supports interdisciplinary projects that bring together faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates through mentorship and team-based research. He looks forward to expanding the center’s support for humanities research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public scholarship.
Nguyen has edited two anthologies and authored six books, including a novel, The Three Daughters of Annam, forthcoming from Grand Central Publishing, which will be released later this year. As he resumes the role of director for the Center of the Humanities, he will continue to serve as a member of the Mizzou Arts Executive Committee.
The Center for the Humanities strengthens collaboration across disciplines and creates new opportunities for research, grant partnerships, and public engagement among the College of Arts and Science humanities scholars and scientists. The center also hosts lectures, workshops, and seminars throughout the year, including the Humanities Symposium, an annual celebration of undergraduate research in the humanities and related fields held during Mizzou’s Show Me Research Week.