Charles Parrott, associate professor in the Department of Theater & Performance Studies at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA, has been selected as a 2020 CUR–Arts and Humanities Faculty Mentor Awardee. The award consists of a plaque and $1,000 for the recipient’s work with undergraduate researchers.
Dr. Parrott earned BA degrees in sociology and speech communications from Hastings College, an MA in communication studies from Ball State University, and a PhD in speech communication from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He is director of the KSU Tellers, a storytelling troupe that has appeared at nearly 100 public events and presented original solo and group performances that are rooted in research. One project involved the development of a storytelling curriculum at the Global Village Project, a school for refugee girls in Decatur, GA.
Said Lindsay Currie, CUR’s executive officer, “Dr. Parrott’s innovative work has involved undergraduate researchers in new interpretations of folktales, fairy tales, literary works, personal narratives, and other story forms, as well as empowered diverse students, faculty, and communities. His support of projects focusing on subjects such as LGBTQ representation and the situation of military veterans transitioning to civilian life shows a commitment to wide-ranging student research and better understanding of the experiences of these individuals.”
Said Ivan Pulinkala, dean of the KSU College of the Arts, “Congratulations to Dr. Charlie Parrott on receiving this meritorious national recognition for his work with the KSU Tellers. ArtsKSU is distinguished by our community-based practices that this award recognizes.”
The CUR–Arts and Humanities Faculty Mentor Awards were established in 2018 through an endowment by 2012 CUR Fellow Joyce Kinkead (Utah State University) to nurture undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry in arts and humanities disciplines.
Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.
CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.
Kennesaw State University: A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its approximately 38,000 students. With 13 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe.