Earl Lewis facts for kids

Earl Lewis is a well-known historian and a leader in education. He is currently a professor of history at the University of Michigan. He also leads a group there called the Center for Social Solutions.

From 2013 to 2018, he was the president of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This foundation helps support the arts, humanities, and higher education. Before that, he worked at Emory University for over eight years. At Emory, he was the Provost, which is a very high-ranking academic leader. He was the first African-American Provost in Emory's history.

Earl Lewis's Education Journey

Earl Lewis studied history and psychology at Concordia College. He earned his first degree there. Later, he went on to get his PhD in history. He completed his advanced degree at the University of Minnesota.

His Career in Education and Helping Others

Earl Lewis became the sixth president of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in 2013. Under his leadership, the foundation continued to support important areas. These areas include the humanities, arts, and higher education. He focused on both keeping traditions and making new changes.

Mr. Lewis is a famous historian who studies society. He taught at the University of California at Berkeley from 1984 to 1989. Then, he taught at the University of Michigan from 1989 to 2004. He has always believed in making universities more diverse. This means having students and teachers from many different backgrounds.

He also worked to improve graduate education. He explored how digital tools can help with learning. He also focused on connecting universities with their local communities. Before joining the Mellon Foundation, he was a top leader at Emory University. He managed the university's academic programs.

Books and Writings by Earl Lewis

Earl Lewis has written or helped edit many books. These books often focus on history and African American experiences. Here are some of his notable works:

• The African American Urban Experience (2004) – This book looks at city life for African Americans.
• Defending Diversity (2004) – This book discusses affirmative action at the University of Michigan.
• Love on Trial (2001) – This book tells a story about race and relationships in America.
• To Make Our World Anew (2000) – This is a history of African Americans. It won an award.
• In Their Own Interests (1991) – This book explores race, class, and power in Norfolk in the 20th century.

He also helped create an 11-volume series called The Young Oxford History of African Americans. Plus, he worked on an award-winning book series called American Crossroads.

Awards and Honors

Earl Lewis has received many awards for his work. He became a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2008. This is a group that honors smart and talented people.

He has also received several honorary degrees from different universities. These include:

• Clark University and Southwestern University (2017)
• Carnegie Mellon University (2016)
• University of Cincinnati, Rutgers University-Newark, and Dartmouth College (2015)
• Concordia College (2002)

In 1999, he received the Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award from the University of Michigan. This award recognized his efforts to promote diversity.

On March 21, 2023, President Joe Biden gave Earl Lewis the National Humanities Medal. This medal is a high honor for people who have made a big difference in the humanities. He received it for his important work in Black history and his dedication to diversity in education.