Staff

The College of Arts and Sciences Center for the Humanities at the University of Miami was established in 2009 to support humanities, arts, and interpretive social science research and teaching, as well as to bringing to the Miami community an awareness of the importance of the humanities for a more informed understanding of our own and other cultures.

Through lectures, conferences, seminars, and workshops, scholars present their work, elicit critical responses, and stimulate public awareness and debate about the humanities. The goal of the Center is to provide mutual understanding among groups and cultures, provide support for research in the humanities, and enrich the intellectual culture of the University and community.

‌‌‌Phil Harling

Director

Professor Phil Harling started at the University of Miami in the summer of 2022, after almost 30 years of teaching and administrative service at the University of Kentucky. He grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and received his B.A. from Grinnell College in 1986 and his Ph.D. in History from Princeton University in 1993. A Professor of History, Phil specializes in Britain and the British Empire in the 19^th century ... Continued

‌Christina Larson

Assistant Director

Christina Larson (PhD in Art History) was named Assistant Director at the Center for the Humanities in September 2021. As someone who has studied humanities-related disciplines and who is passionate about scholarship and learning, she was delighted to assume this role at the University of Miami ... Continued

Elizabeth Stoyanov Hernandez

Office Manager

Elizabeth Stoyanov Hernandez holds a B.A. in Business from Miami International University of Art and Design where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and obtained Leadership Seminar Certificate and Dean’s List Merit Awards. Elizabeth has extensive experience with specialized client-centric services and support, sponsorship, and donor relations, dedicated to identifying needs, delivering exceptional experiences, and conveying creative ideas and effective solutions to problems... Continued

Tobi Ladeji

Student Assistant (Videography and Research Suppport)

Tobi Ladeji is a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a BBA in Legal Studies + Health Management and Policy with an independent minor in Chinese. This is his first year as a Student Assistant with the Center for the Humanities. In addition to his role at the Center, he's also a Hammond Premier Scholar involved in Student Government as the First Year Senator and Miami Undergraduate Consulting Club. Tobi's interest is in the intersection of the humanities, healthcare, and law, driving him to explore careers in consulting and in the legal field.

Elijah Garvin

Student Assistant

Elijah Garvin is a transfer student at the University of Miami pursuing a degree in Motion Pictures – Business with a minor in Marketing. Outside of working as a Student Assistant for the Center for the Humanities, he serves on the University’s Commuter Council where he helps lead efforts to strengthen the connection between commuter and transfer students and the broader UM community. He is also a member of the University of Miami Model United Nations organization, which ranks 12th in the nation, and participates in First Gen Canes as a first-generation college student.

Violet Herbert

Student Assistant

Violet Herbert is a Broadcast Journalism student at the University of Miami with a minor in Marketing. She is passionate about media, communications, and storytelling while developing skills in broadcast production, reporting, digital media, and marketing. This is her first year as a Student Assistant with the Center for the Humanities. In addition to her role at the Center, Violet is involved with UMTV, where she is gaining practical experience in broadcast media. She also serves as the Director of Lifetime Members for Tri Delta, allowing her to develop her leadership and organizational skills. Outside of the classroom, Violet is involved with Young Life, where she helps organize events focused on building community and connecting with others. She is excited to continue growing her experience and building meaningful connections through her work and involvement at the University of Miami.

Mihoko Suzuki

Founding Director (2009 - 2018)

Professor Mihoko Suzuki earned her A.B. in an interdisciplinary major, History and Literature, in the College Scholar Program at Cornell University and her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at Yale University. Her scholarship focuses on Renaissance and early modern literature and ... Continued

‌‌‌Hugh Thomas

Director (2018 - 2023)

Professor Hugh M. Thomas received his B.A. and Ph.D. from Yale University and has taught at the University of Miami since 1988. His research focuses on the history of medieval Europe, particularly England, from the eleventh to the early thirteenth century ... Continued