South Carolina Humanities (SCH) is thrilled to announce the selection of Jennifer Gunter, Ph.D., as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective in mid-July.
The Board of Directors embarked on a national search to identify a new Executive Director when Randy Akers made the decision to retire after 37 years of leadership and service. Akers’ commitment to the organization and his advocacy for the humanities in South Carolina and across the United States has led to the development of innovative programming and impactful grants that have fostered greater awareness and deeper appreciation for the cultural organizations, activities, and historical events unique to South Carolina.
The selection of Dr. Gunter marks the beginning of a promising new era for the organization during a critical time for the humanities in our state and nation. The Board is confident in Dr. Gunter’s ability to lead the organization as it charts a new path forward.
“We have identified a leader who is well-equipped and more than ready to take SC Humanities forward. Dr. Gunter knows, loves, and contributes actively to the public humanities in South Carolina. She’s both committed to the foundations of the organization, capable of building new partnerships and supporting innovative programs,” said Board Chair Dr. Jennifer Thomas.
Dr. Gunter is an historian of the US South with a foundation in Southern Studies. She is an educator as well as a scholar, having spent the last decade in classrooms teaching history, media studies, Southern Studies, ethics, philosophy, and public speaking. She brings administrative experience as the former Director of the South Carolina Collaborative on Race and Reconciliation at the University of South Carolina, modeled on the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation. As an outgrowth of this work, she created the South Carolina Youth Collective which since 2019 has brought together high school students from across the state for a one-week summer residential program. This humanities program focuses on the examination of place-based history, civic action, and personal leadership.
She earned a B.A. and M.A. in Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi and a Ph.D. in History from the University of South Carolina. She is a public historian who specializes in the intersections of region, gender, race, health, law, and activism.
Dr. Gunter shared: “I’m over the moon to step into the role of Executive Director for South Carolina Humanities and continue its legacy of promoting thoughtful dialogue and cultural understanding across our state. Though we may face some challenges, I know that the humanities are essential in helping us connect with one another, explore our shared history, and imagine a better future. I look forward to collaborating with communities, educators, and partners to support programs that inspire curiosity and conversation. Together, we can strengthen the impact of the humanities in every corner of South Carolina.”
She has effectively served on the SCH Board for two terms, and she is also on the boards of the South Carolina Restorative Justice Initiative, the Mississippi Free Press, and the Advisory Committee for the Center for the Study of Southern Culture.
Dr. Gunter will work closely with Randy Akers over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Please watch for upcoming SCH events in your area as Dr. Gunter tours the state to meet and make friends of the humanities and as we celebrate the legacy of Randy’s leadership.
The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c)3 organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos, and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually. South Carolina Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as corporate, foundation and individual donors. The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.