Rob Townsend
@rbtownsend.bsky.social
Director, Humanities, Arts, and Culture Programs and Humanities Indicators (http://bit.ly/1vcZlh4) at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Quotes and RTs ≠ opinions.
Pinned
Rob Townsend
@rbtownsend.bsky.social
· May 21
The Academic Humanities Today: Findings from a New National Survey
Few need to be told that the academic humanities have been beset by challenges over the past fifteen years, but the evidence tends to be scattered. To provide a clearer picture of the state of the fie...
bit.ly
"Drawing on responses from more than two thousand department chairs, the report demonstrates both the challenges the field experiences today and the resilience of many departments in the face of those difficulties." bit.ly/43ojlAN
"many institutions have succeeded in saving money by cutting #humanities programs, albeit at an intellectual price... because STEM majors... rarely need to worry about the breadth of upper-level humanities course options." bit.ly/4sTUz7s
Cuts to the Liberal Arts Will Backfire
Andrew Ollett, an associate professor at the University of Chicago, used to wear a t-shirt that read “Sanskrit or die (pāṇḍityaṁ śaraṇaṁ vā mē mr̥tyur vā).” Referring to an
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 3:30 PM
"many institutions have succeeded in saving money by cutting #humanities programs, albeit at an intellectual price... because STEM majors... rarely need to worry about the breadth of upper-level humanities course options." bit.ly/4sTUz7s
"47% fear that the long-term impact of AI on employment opportunities in their disciplines will be very or somewhat negative.... Among those who have the greatest fears are professors who teach arts and #humanities (66%) and those who teach engineering (48%)." bit.ly/4ra4ELZ
The AI Challenge: How college faculty assess the present and future of higher education in the age of AI - Imagining the Digital Future Center
National Survey: 95% of College Faculty Fear Student Overreliance on AI and Diminished Critical Thinking Among Learners Who Use Generative AI Tools Full report | Charts | Methodology and Topline...
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 1:49 PM
"47% fear that the long-term impact of AI on employment opportunities in their disciplines will be very or somewhat negative.... Among those who have the greatest fears are professors who teach arts and #humanities (66%) and those who teach engineering (48%)." bit.ly/4ra4ELZ
"People are looking at the modern economy… what employers and the workforce is looking for are people who know how to connect and do uniquely human things that computers will never be able to replace.” bit.ly/49wXGdV
'They’re thinking about their future': USCA sees rise in application numbers in arts and humanities
The University of South Carolina Aiken is seeing an increase in applications for its College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for 2026-27.
bit.ly
January 21, 2026 at 8:27 PM
"People are looking at the modern economy… what employers and the workforce is looking for are people who know how to connect and do uniquely human things that computers will never be able to replace.” bit.ly/49wXGdV
"The study concluded...investing in #humanities contributes to preparing generations that possess technical competence alongside cultural and ethical awareness, thereby strengthening the path of comprehensive and balanced development": bit.ly/4sMLLQV
Restore humanities in higher education: Study
MUSCAT: A recently-conducted study called for the restoration of humanities in the higher education system, being a fundamental pillar for a balanced...
bit.ly
January 21, 2026 at 3:22 PM
"The study concluded...investing in #humanities contributes to preparing generations that possess technical competence alongside cultural and ethical awareness, thereby strengthening the path of comprehensive and balanced development": bit.ly/4sMLLQV
"The Palantir CEO said it would probably be possible for those with humanities backgrounds to keep a job once they secure it, but he said technicians and those with other vocational skill sets are going to be in the highest demand." bit.ly/4665zom
Palantir's billionaire CEO studied philosophy — now he says AI will destroy humanities jobs
Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, said vocational skills will dominate in the AI future.
bit.ly
January 21, 2026 at 2:19 PM
"The Palantir CEO said it would probably be possible for those with humanities backgrounds to keep a job once they secure it, but he said technicians and those with other vocational skill sets are going to be in the highest demand." bit.ly/4665zom
“decisions should be data-informed, not data-driven: judgment is required…. There are critical qualitative factors – such as institutional mission and the holistic value of the liberal arts – that data alone cannot represent.” bit.ly/45iUfFb
‘Just not monetizable’: humanities programs face existential crisis at US universities
Fears over the future of humanities spread amid layoffs and restructurings at scores of public and private universities
bit.ly
January 20, 2026 at 2:37 PM
“decisions should be data-informed, not data-driven: judgment is required…. There are critical qualitative factors – such as institutional mission and the holistic value of the liberal arts – that data alone cannot represent.” bit.ly/45iUfFb
"Far from being marginal, the #humanities and social sciences play a pivotal role in framing how AI’s risks and potential are understood. Their contributions establish the ethical and philosophical foundations for AI’s integration into society." bit.ly/49vXMTb
AI’s benefits need to be distributed across all disciplines
The influence of artificial intelligence is paradoxical. In science and engineering, it enhances traditional methods of measurement and prediction. Ye...
bit.ly
January 19, 2026 at 6:19 PM
"Far from being marginal, the #humanities and social sciences play a pivotal role in framing how AI’s risks and potential are understood. Their contributions establish the ethical and philosophical foundations for AI’s integration into society." bit.ly/49vXMTb
"some candidates had hoped that the job market would improve, and so prolonged their PhD or taken temporary positions. The bet has gone bad, building up a huge mass of applicants chasing not very many positions." bit.ly/4pHfPut
January 18, 2026 at 5:18 PM
"some candidates had hoped that the job market would improve, and so prolonged their PhD or taken temporary positions. The bet has gone bad, building up a huge mass of applicants chasing not very many positions." bit.ly/4pHfPut
"Across the IIT system, a quiet but significant transformation is underway—one that recognizes the role of humanities, social sciences, and creative arts in shaping engineers who can think ethically, communicate effectively, and innovate responsibly." bit.ly/4pMh0sm
As AI reshapes Engineering, IITs reassert the role of humanities and creative arts
IITs are integrating humanities and creative arts into engineering education, fostering ethical and innovative thinking in an AI-driven world.
bit.ly
January 18, 2026 at 4:15 PM
"Across the IIT system, a quiet but significant transformation is underway—one that recognizes the role of humanities, social sciences, and creative arts in shaping engineers who can think ethically, communicate effectively, and innovate responsibly." bit.ly/4pMh0sm
"Trump also called for the shuttering of the NEA and NEH in 2017, but was stymied by Congress’ bipartisan support of the agencies." bit.ly/3LT5E85
Despite Trump’s Call for Their Closure, House Approves Funding for National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities
The House of Representatives passed a proposal that funds the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities, despite Trump's call for their closure.
bit.ly
January 17, 2026 at 8:01 PM
"Trump also called for the shuttering of the NEA and NEH in 2017, but was stymied by Congress’ bipartisan support of the agencies." bit.ly/3LT5E85
Congress passed appropriation bill with "level funding for NEH and the humanities councils—$207 million for the NEH, with $65 million of that budget allocated to the 56 state and territorial humanities councils. The bill will now go to the President for his signature." conta.cc/3NMKSHI
Statement on Level Funding
Email from Federation of State Humanities Councils Senate Votes to Fully Fund NEH/Humanities Councils View Email in Browser If you've been forwarded this email, you can join our public news list here.
conta.cc
January 16, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Congress passed appropriation bill with "level funding for NEH and the humanities councils—$207 million for the NEH, with $65 million of that budget allocated to the 56 state and territorial humanities councils. The bill will now go to the President for his signature." conta.cc/3NMKSHI
"UChicago has funded the continued research of specialized humanities departments for much of its history.... Now, the future of these small departments is unsure." bit.ly/3NOT0Yc
“A Step Backwards”: Students and Faculty on the Arts & Humanities Restructuring
Following reorganization efforts in the arts and humanities, students and faculty reflect on how proposed consolidation could affect the future of small departments and language programs.
bit.ly
January 16, 2026 at 2:03 PM
"UChicago has funded the continued research of specialized humanities departments for much of its history.... Now, the future of these small departments is unsure." bit.ly/3NOT0Yc
NEH Announces $75.1 Million for 84 Humanities Projects: bit.ly/4quTLV8
NEH Announces $75.1 Million for 84 Humanities Projects
bit.ly
January 15, 2026 at 4:28 PM
NEH Announces $75.1 Million for 84 Humanities Projects: bit.ly/4quTLV8
"Harvard may not have lit the match intentionally, but it has nonetheless forced academia to face the flames. The rest of us should stop shouting about the smoke and start asking what kind of university we want to rise from the ashes." bit.ly/4bvhK1x
Harvard’s slashing of PhD numbers is long overdue
Trump-imposed economic pressures should prompt us to confront the mismatch between PhD admissions and academic jobs, says Joshua Snider
bit.ly
January 15, 2026 at 2:21 PM
"Harvard may not have lit the match intentionally, but it has nonetheless forced academia to face the flames. The rest of us should stop shouting about the smoke and start asking what kind of university we want to rise from the ashes." bit.ly/4bvhK1x
"The group workshopped historically grounded and fact-based narratives about the value of humanistic expertise and discussed the important role university presidents and chancellors play in telling the story of the humanities to students, parents, trustees, and legislators." bit.ly/3YFnRJe
Higher Education Leaders Convene to Strategize on the Future of the Humanities
On December 12-13, 2025, 22 current and former university presidents, chancellors, and leading voices in the humanities gathered for a retreat at the National Humanities Center (NHC).
bit.ly
January 14, 2026 at 9:24 PM
"The group workshopped historically grounded and fact-based narratives about the value of humanistic expertise and discussed the important role university presidents and chancellors play in telling the story of the humanities to students, parents, trustees, and legislators." bit.ly/3YFnRJe
Sad news. One of my favorite history organizations is losing a great leader: bit.ly/45QSOhi
National History Day® Executive Director Cathy Gorn Announces Retirement - National History Day
LONGTIME HEAD OF COUNTRY’S LEADING YOUTH HISTORY PROGRAM TO OVERSEE TRANSITION IN 2026 NHD 2026 National Contest in College Park, MD, June 14 – 18; “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History” …
bit.ly
January 14, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Sad news. One of my favorite history organizations is losing a great leader: bit.ly/45QSOhi
“When we are uncertain about truth and bewildered by a cacophony of narratives, the #humanities train us in the art of critical discernment” bit.ly/4qsIHYC
Reclaiming the humanities in an age of technology, uncertainty
In an era of technology and uncertainty, scholars highlight how the humanities are vital for understanding global crises, resolving conflict, and building
bit.ly
January 14, 2026 at 2:22 PM
“When we are uncertain about truth and bewildered by a cacophony of narratives, the #humanities train us in the art of critical discernment” bit.ly/4qsIHYC
I am developing a new project about Democracy and Cultural Spaces for the Academy. If you work in public history, and would be interested in joining me on a session about the topic at the next AHA meeting (in NOLA), please get in touch! #AHA27
January 13, 2026 at 3:28 PM
I am developing a new project about Democracy and Cultural Spaces for the Academy. If you work in public history, and would be interested in joining me on a session about the topic at the next AHA meeting (in NOLA), please get in touch! #AHA27
"the humanities are dismissed as unserious because they are experienced as unserious, and they are experienced as unserious because we hesitate to demand from them the same intellectual precision, interpretive risk, and argumentative accountability we expect elsewhere." bit.ly/458jUQO
Jain | Stanford needs more rigorous humanities
Jain writes about how we can make a more rigorous humanities program at Stanford, especially while keeping it open to newcomers.
bit.ly
January 13, 2026 at 2:13 PM
"the humanities are dismissed as unserious because they are experienced as unserious, and they are experienced as unserious because we hesitate to demand from them the same intellectual precision, interpretive risk, and argumentative accountability we expect elsewhere." bit.ly/458jUQO
Visit the Humanities Indicators booth at #mla2026 for findings from our recent survey of academic humanities departments. @modernlanguage.bsky.social #exhibitevents
January 9, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Visit the Humanities Indicators booth at #mla2026 for findings from our recent survey of academic humanities departments. @modernlanguage.bsky.social #exhibitevents
"Surprisingly, one of the most maligned groups, arts and humanities graduates, is well positioned to thrive in this disrupted environment." bit.ly/4sD3pqe
What’s Ahead In 2026 For The Arts And Humanities In Corporate America
AI may raise the floor, but human beings raise the ceiling. Discover five ways that liberal arts skills are becoming ever more valuable in 2026 and beyond.
bit.ly
January 9, 2026 at 1:58 PM
"Surprisingly, one of the most maligned groups, arts and humanities graduates, is well positioned to thrive in this disrupted environment." bit.ly/4sD3pqe
My colleague, Carolyn Fuqua, will be representing the Indicators at MLA. Join her today at "Navigating the Data Crisis: Finding Humanities Data to Advocate for Your Program or Institution." 3:30, 802B @modernlanguage.bsky.social #mla26
January 8, 2026 at 2:55 PM
My colleague, Carolyn Fuqua, will be representing the Indicators at MLA. Join her today at "Navigating the Data Crisis: Finding Humanities Data to Advocate for Your Program or Institution." 3:30, 802B @modernlanguage.bsky.social #mla26
"The Indicators fill a once persistent gap in data about the humanities, providing a set of reliable and regularly updated indicators charting key trends in the field." bit.ly/4jr9Ubg
What Humanities Indicators Measure and How They are Used
The Humanities Indicators, a project of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, is a nationally recognized source of nonpartisan information about the humanities. The Indicators are available to the ...
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 3:12 PM
"The Indicators fill a once persistent gap in data about the humanities, providing a set of reliable and regularly updated indicators charting key trends in the field." bit.ly/4jr9Ubg
“when that job is eaten up by AI, you have no other skill set that you can call on. It may have looked great in terms of your initial data. In the long run, you’re in trouble.'” bit.ly/45AYOdV
‘We are in class five rapids right now.’ New England’s liberal arts colleges are in crisis. Can their model survive? - The Boston Globe
Ten college presidents spoke to the Globe in defense of their institutions.
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 11:06 PM
“when that job is eaten up by AI, you have no other skill set that you can call on. It may have looked great in terms of your initial data. In the long run, you’re in trouble.'” bit.ly/45AYOdV
"abilities to ask better questions, navigate ambiguity, empathize and turn ideas into action are not extracurricular; they are the defining competencies of our era. The liberal arts articulated this purpose centuries ago. Our responsibility now is to deliver it through updated means." bit.ly/49D5oDg
In the age of AI, human skills are the new advantage
In the AI era, we need a new model for teaching students the skills they once acquired through a liberal arts education. Experience should form the foundation of that new model.
bit.ly
January 4, 2026 at 6:21 PM
"abilities to ask better questions, navigate ambiguity, empathize and turn ideas into action are not extracurricular; they are the defining competencies of our era. The liberal arts articulated this purpose centuries ago. Our responsibility now is to deliver it through updated means." bit.ly/49D5oDg