Shelome Gooden has been a pivotal figure in advancing research in the humanities, arts and social sciences, both within Pitt and at a national level. As Pitt’s first-ever assistant vice chancellor for research in the humanities, arts, social sciences and related fields, Gooden has been instrumental in developing new programs and initiatives that bridge the gap between different academic disciplines and that have become hubs of academic excellence and innovation.
In 2023, Gooden cofounded the Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences Research Leaders Network (HASS-RLN), a national effort to support and advance arts, humanities, social sciences and humanities-adjacent research at comprehensive research universities. At its initial meeting, HASS-RLN brought together 25 university-based senior research leaders from 23 different states to learn how best to promote, support, strategize and advance opportunities for researchers in these fields.
As a direct result of the success of that meeting, Gooden and her colleague Christine Mallinson at University of Maryland Baltimore County were awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities Chair’s Grant to support a new convening, titled “New Frontiers in Strengthening and Supporting Humanities and Humanities-Adjacent Research.” The convening was held this fall in Washington, D.C., not only bringing together HASS research leaders, but also representatives from national funding agencies and other national stakeholders dedicated to supporting and strategically advancing humanities and humanities-related research.
“HASS research has varied qualities and needs,” Gooden says. “We look forward to sharing strategies and recommendations for how to amplify these important research programs and help them advance their success.”