I am so very excited because I just discovered that the University of Utah will be sponsoring two Mormon Studies fellowships for the next 2 years. According to the Deseret News:
Reflecting something of a softening in the University of Utah’s decades-long reputation for eschewing academic study associated with Mormonism, the U. is offering a new fellowship in Mormon studies.
Robert Goldberg, director of the school’s Tanner Humanities Center, said the $18,000 fellowship is believed to be the first of its kind at the U. “It’s creating a buzz here but also around the country,” he said, as news of the opportunity for a graduate student to focus on one aspect of Mormonism spreads.
“We’ve gotten a lot of calls and a lot of congratulations as well,” he said, noting many of those who have responded are “a little surprised, but think the time has come.” In particular, several of Goldberg’s former students who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have contacted him to offer their support, he said.
Funded by the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, the fellowship is designed to “enable doctoral students of unusual ability and achievement to engage in research and writing full time,” focusing on a topic related to the “history and/or culture of Mormonism.” The recipient will be åprovided with a private office and is expected to be in residence at the U. for nine months beginning in August.
The Book of Mormon
This is such a new and surprising opportunity at a University that has been so hostile to the ideas that the LDS religion holds. As a Mormon woman working at and attending the University of Utah, I have always known to be very careful who knows that I am LDS.
When I was an undergrad, I had many, many professors who were completely hostile towards the Church and would not tolerate any thoughts or beliefs beyond their own. As a teacher up at this same University, I have squashed fear of speaking in my for-credit classrooms. Even if I do not agree with my undergrads’ comments and beliefs, I refuse to deny their right to speak and try to persuade.
This is so wonderful for a Research I university to recognize a religion that is headquartered just a couple of miles west of campus. A university that teaches and pays so many LDS members who are so quiet about their religion. A university that holds high values and honesty in such high regard, because that is what is required for academic work.
Maybe more of us will be willing to open up and talk about our wonderful religion. Maybe BYU students and Utah County won’t be so mean about the University of Utah and the many who have learned and grown at the University. Or is that a dream?
