By Richard LeComte 

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Jennifer Cramer, Ph.D., is starting a term as board chair of Kentucky Humanities. Cramer is professor of linguistics at the University of Kentucky’s College of Arts and Sciences and Chellgren Endowed Professor with UK’s Chellgren Center. Her term runs through Dec. 31.  

Kentucky Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. Kentucky Humanities is supported by the endowment and by private contributions. Cramer began serving on the board in 2020. Among its programs is Kentucky Reads, wherein the group selects a book each year for groups to share.  

“During her term on the 23-person volunteer board, Cramer has help set policies, award project grants to community organizations and participated in fundraising to help meet the growing demand for Kentucky Humanities’ programs," said Marianne Stoess, assistant director of Kentucky Humanities. “Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Kentucky Humanities and its community partners across the Commonwealth invest more than $1 million annually in support of public humanities programs throughout the state.” 

Cramer said the group’s main mission is to tell the story of the Commonwealth, and one program in particular exemplifies that goal. 

"As a native Kentuckian, I see this as a powerful and important mission, and it is one I will work with the organization to continue and expand," she said. “One program I am eager to see this year is the next installment of Museum on Main called 'Americans.' It is a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibit that will showcase Native American stories, starting this summer in Paducah and moving to six other sites across the Commonwealth over the following year.” 

Learn more about Kentucky Humanities and their upcoming events at https://www.kyhumanities.org/.