About the College of Arts and Sciences
The Heart of the University of Louisville!
As UofL's largest academic unit, the College of Arts & Sciences offers a diverse range of opportunities from dozens of departments and programs in the natural and physical sciences, the social and behavioral sciences, and the arts and humanities. A degree from Arts & Sciences provides a solid foundation upon which to build future academic, professional and personal successes.
Our students learn how to think critically; but they don’t just think, they do. They explore, create, research, communicate, collaborate, and meaningfully engage in the world around them. As a result, graduates of UofL’s College of Arts & Sciences are adaptable, innovative, and highly attuned problem-solvers. They are lifelong learners who are well-equipped for the work force and primed to make significant contributions to their chosen professions and respective communities.
Read more about some of our most successful students, faculty and programs:
New Directors Appointed to two A&S Centers
In July 2021, two important A&S directorships were appointed – one to the Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research and the other to the Commonwealth Center for Humanities Society. Both of these appointments will impact the way in which A&S engages with our community for years to come.
Rick Smith named Associate VP for workforce and economic development
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) announced that Rick W. Smith Sr., a professional with more than 30 years of experience in higher education and private sector leadership, will serve as the Council’s new associate vice president for workforce and economic development.
A&S once again a top producer of Fulbrights and other student awards
In 2021, A&S students won 7 out of 7 Fulbright Awards English Teaching Assistantships. Also of note this year is Lexi Raikes who won the Truman Scholarship, Kentucky's only Harry S. Truman Scholarship for 2021.
A&S student researchers helping river towns drive tourism and economic development
As part of an honors class, a group of undergraduate students studied — through interviews, research and first-hand experience — how towns like New Albany, Clarksville and Jeffersonville, Indiana, benefit from and can better promote kayaking, concerts and other riverside activities.
UofL psychology specialists launch low-cost ADHD evaluation service
A group of University of Louisville psychologists are making ADHD evaluations more accessible and affordable for Louisville area families.
Angela Storey (Anthropology) and Rachel Hopp (Biology) to receive the TILL Teaching Innovation Award
The TILL Teaching Innovation Award is an annual award which honors the University of Louisville’s outstanding faculty who demonstrate a commitment to student engagement and learning through their work on one or more innovative teaching practices.
A&S students contribute to Speed’s Breonna Taylor exhibit
Students in UofL Professor Chris Reitz’s Art and Activism seminar contributed to the Speed Art Museum’s exhibition “Promise, Witness, Remembrance,” in honor of Breonna Taylor.
Army ROTC cadets commissioned as officers
Seventeen Cardinal Battalion Army ROTC cadets were commissioned as officers May 7 as part of Spring 2021 Commencement weekend. It marked the first in-person commissioning since 2019.
Political Science Professor Jason Gainous wins UofL’s 2021 Trustees Award
Jason Gainous, department chair and professor of political science in the University of Louisville College of Arts & Sciences, is the recipient of the 2021 Trustees Award. The award, in its 32nd year, is UofL’s most prestigious faculty award, recognizing faculty members who have made significant contributions to student life.
UofL graduate pushes through darkness to get to light
Gzeonie Hampton felt like she was coming home when she enrolled at UofL as a McConnell Scholar and a Porter Scholar. Now Hampton’s aunt and the rest of her extended family will be celebrating with her May 7, when she graduates with an undergraduate degree in political science and English and with a long-term dream of working in Middle Eastern foreign relations for the U.S. State Department.
Cardinal graduate builds life-changing connections through study abroad
When Brianna Berry first came to UofL, she didn’t know much about studying abroad. But she had always loved traveling, so she decided to attend the study abroad fair during her first semester to learn more about the international opportunities UofL offers.
Watch now: 2021 PBK Lecture with John Yarmuth
In this talk, Congressman Yarmuth of Kentucky discussed the role that the liberal arts have played in his life path. He also talked about what he views as the critical role the liberal arts have played, and will continue to play, in a democracy and civil society.
Helping correctional officers deal with job stress is the mission of criminal justice graduate
A high school forensic science class began a journey into the field of criminal justice for Katie Hughes-Taylor, who is now graduating from UofL with a doctorate degree in Criminal Justice.
New UofL program helps ‘ascending star’ researchers shine brighter
The new Ascending Star Fellowship provides mentorship, funding and other support to high-performing associate professors. The goal is to boost the national impact of the fellows’ scholarship, with a heavy focus on work in diversity, inclusion and community empowerment.
UofL biologists create better method to culture cells for testing drug toxicity
Doctoral student Robert Skolik and Associate Professor Michael Menze, in the Department of Biology at the University of Louisville, have found a way to make cell cultures respond more closely to normal cells, allowing drugs to be screened for toxicity earlier in the research timeline.
A&S junior is Kentucky’s only 2021 Truman Scholar
University of Louisville junior Lexi Raikes has won Kentucky’s only Harry S. Truman Scholarship for 2021. The award, valued at $30,000, is given to just 62 U.S. college students annually. It is the premier graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States.
Biology student recognized for work to end racism
Rawan Saleh is a sophomore student majoring in public health with a minor in biology. A first-generation immigrant from Jordan, Rawan plans to eventually apply to medical school and work as an activist in the health sector.
A look back at UofL’s women’s history
In 1907, UofL’s College of Liberal Arts opened on West Broadway, offering more than a dozen departments and admitting “both ladies and gentlemen.” The first graduating class in 1908 was comprised of 10 women and eight men, according to “The University of Louisville” by Dwayne D. Cox and William J. Morison.
UofL is home to the first Black Studies Program established in the south
The origins of UofL’s Pan-African Studies department can be traced back to the late 1960s when there was unrest not only across the country, but also on campus. Ricky Jones, chair of the Pan-African Studies department, said during this time, there was a student-led effort to develop more Black Studies opportunities.
English alumna fulfills a burning desire to build a community through writing
That spellbinding feeling is what Angela Burton ’89 set out to capture when she began Feet to the Fire Writers’ Workshops. Six years later, her creative endeavor has found an even more noble purpose: providing lifelong learning and health benefits to aging populations by fueling connections through writing.
