Dr. Jonathan Redding’s influential research on Biblical interpretation and unwavering support of students has earned him one of the highest honors in academia at ߲ݴý University.
Redding has been chosen as the inaugural holder of the Dr. Anne MacLeod Cognard Professorship in the Humanities.
“This is a tremendous honor, and I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity,” says Redding, associate professor of religion. “To receive this professorship at this stage of my career, is humbling and empowering. This gives me the chance to help students see what writing, creativity, and bold thinking can get them.”
Named professorships are considered among the university’s leading faculty members. It lends prestige to the university and recipient, helps recruit and retain top talent and inspires faculty colleagues in their work.
Funding for the professorship has been provided by Dr. Rodney (‘77) and Betsy Markin. The Markins created this professorship in recognition and appreciation of years of friendship and the mentoring provided by Cognard when Rod was a chemistry/pre-med student.
“Looking back, I didn’t realize how much Anne had mentored me. I would not have accomplished what I accomplished as a scientist and physician had she not created a place where I could write and express myself,” Markin says. “Everything we do in our world is written. When you write publications, if you can't express your thoughts, the results, your analysis, it will be hard to publish your work. I didn't really have that skill before I started at ߲ݴý and Anne really helped me develop and hone it.”
Cognard earned her PhD in English literature and classical rhetoric from Texas Christian University in 1973 and began teaching that same year at ߲ݴý and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She joined the Nebraska Committee for the Humanities (now Humanities Nebraska) where she became director. In the 1980s, she transitioned to high school teaching where she founded the ߲ݴý Honors Academy. Known for her dedication, Cognard inspired generations of students, who continue to attribute their academic and professional successes to her guidance.
“In my career as an administrator and as an educator, I dedicated myself to furthering the Humanities in my community and among my students,” says Cognard. “It’s very meaningful to me that this named professorship will support the work of Humanities faculty at ߲ݴý.”
Redding says the Humanities are critical component of education. “Students who study the Humanities allow themselves to be experts in creative thinking, communication, problem solving, relationship building, and so much more. This professorship is a significant step toward ensuring a vibrant future for the Humanities at ߲ݴý.”
The funding will be used for Redding’s professional development and investing in Humanities-specific writing on campus. He says he will partner with the Cooper Center to help tutoring. “They do great work, and I want to use some of the funding to expand their offerings of Humanities-focused student assistance. The remaining money will go toward creating a campus wide Humanities writing contest.”
And, Redding says, he hopes that this professorship has a lasting impact on students. “I want them to see the power and importance of writing and reading with a critical eye. We put students and learning first, so this professorship grants me the chance to model the type of practical academic work we share with students here and beyond.”
Since 2017, Redding has been a faculty member in the Department of Religion and Philosophy. He has distinguished himself as a scholar by authoring three books on Biblical interpretation; he is the recipient of the Margaret J. Prouty Teaching Award, the University’s top teaching award; and he provides outstanding support and service to the University and students.