Gary D. Glenn, a distinguished teaching professor emeritus in the Department of Political Science at NIU, was sworn last month at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., to serve on the National Council for the Humanities.
The council is as an advisory board to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Glenn’s nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
A resident of DeKalb, Glenn has taught a wide array of political science courses over more than four decades at NIU, where he earned a reputation for being among the university’s top teachers. He was recipient of the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, the Great Professor Award bestowed by the Honors Program and a Presidential Teaching Professorship, the university’s top recognition for excellence in the classroom.
While Glenn retired last year, he continues teaching and working with students, especially on theses and dissertations.
An independent federal agency, the NEH promotes excellence in the humanities and is charged with conveying the lessons of history to all Americans. The National Council on the Humanities consists of 26 distinguished private citizens who advise the NEH chairman. Board members serve staggered 6-year terms.
Glenn’s post will require reading through and providing recommendations on numerous NEH grant applications. Council members, who typically meet quarterly in Washington, D.C., also provide recommendations on matters of policy.