Gwendolyn Foster, professor of English and affiliate faculty in Women's and Gender Studies, has been awarded a Willa Cather Professorship in English. Dr. Foster was one of seven faculty members who were awarded named professorships, and one of four named as Willa Cather/Charles Bessey Professors. The professorships were established in 2001 to recognize faculty members with the rank of full professor who have established exceptional records of distinguished scholarship or creative activity. Dr. Foster was hired as an assistant professor in 1996, promoted to associate professor in 2001 and to full professor in 2005. Foster is an important voice in film studies. Her scholarly work includes 13 authored or edited books, many refereed and invited articles and keynote lectures in such places as Columbia University and the Museum of Modern Art. She serves as an editor for journals and two book series and is an innovative and tireless teacher. She will be formally recognized at the Honors Convocation on April 24.
