New Gaines Center for the Humanities Director Named

Campus Community,

I am pleased to announce that Michelle Sizemore has been named the new director of the John R. Gaines Center for the Humanities, pending approval by the Board of Trustees.

With her extensive experience in and passion for the humanities, Dr. Sizemore will provide exemplary leadership for the Gaines Center and help to further its mission of cultivating an appreciation of the humanities in students, staff, faculty and the wider community. 

Dr. Sizemore is an associate professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Lunsford Scholars Program, which provides opportunities for students in the college to pursue educational opportunities outside of the classroom, including education abroad, internships and undergraduate research. She also served as the director of undergraduate studies in the Department of English from 2019-2023. 

Dr. Sizemore received her doctorate in English from the University of Wisconsin and her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History from UK. 

I look forward to Dr. Sizemore bringing her passion and experience to help guide the direction of the Gaines Center. As a hub for transdisciplinary approaches to education, research and service on our campus, the Gaines Center serves an important role in supporting arts and cultural education for our campus and our Commonwealth.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Sizemore on her new role. 

I also want to thank Dr. Richard Schein for his service as acting director of the Gaines Center. And thank you for all you do for UK as we work to advance Kentucky. 

Robert S. DiPaola, M.D.

Provost