• Welcome to GVSU Anthropology
  • Dear Students: A Welcome from the Chair
• Department at a Glance
• Events
• Programs & Degrees
• 2011-2012 Courses and Curriculum
• Laboratory and Outreach
  • Laboratory
  • Community Outreach
• Field Schools and Internships
• Faculty and Staff
  • Faculty and Staff 2010-2011
  • Faculty Recognition
• Scholarships, Anthropology Club, and Alumni
  • Anthropology Alumni
  • Anthropology Club and Scholarships
• Career Information
• Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Plan
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Project Portfolio

Anthropology Department

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Dear Students: A Welcome from the Chair

September 1, 2011

Dear new and returning students,

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! The anthropology faculty members are looking forward to a great year, working with you in the classroom, the Lab, and on research projects.

This summer was productive for our 12 faculty members. Many faculty taught summer courses. Dr Molla facilitated the summer Ethnographic Field School "Veterans’ Healthcare in West Michigan - An Applied Medical Anthropology Study," involving 12 anthropology students and many community members. Drs Madden and Van Wormer took students to the Ukraine and New Zealand, respectively, on 6 week study abroad trips. Dr Schwartz collaborated with the Great Lakes Naval Maritime Museum on shipwrecks - underwater archaeology. Dr Brashler submitted an NEH grant proposal to digitize many of the Lab's collections; she is working with the Lab Supervisor, Kristina Wieghmink, in an effort to create a virtual museum to enhance public outreach and scholarship. 

Dr Christian Vannier joined our department as Visiting Faculty. He comes to us from the Honors Program at Wayne State. He teaches and conducts research on the anthropology of aid and development, focusing on the role of NGOs, especially in Haiti, where he has conducted extensive field work. Currently, he is involved in researching Habitat for Humanity in the Detroit area. 

I also wish to highlight the many outstanding adjunct instructors who teach for us. These include Jeff Chivis, Erica Begun and Angela Reed.

It is that time of the year when faculty and staff turn to students and teaching! This year our new curricular goes into effect. Students are encouraged to pick up advising sheets and meet with their faculty advisors. Fall is a good time to go over  your MyPath. This fall semester Dr Arnold offers a special topics courses on the archaeology of Southern Africa.

Finally, students should get involved! The anthropology and archaeology clubs are two good places to start! We will also schedule department events such as “Movie Night,” a Community Read, and workshops for graduate school and internships. And looking ahead to the winter semester, the department offers several scholarships for full and part time students, majors and minors.

Make sure you stop by the Anthropology Lab (249 LMH) and say hello to Kristina and the students who hang out there. As always, our office staff, coordinated by Office Coordinator Cindy Zehner, is here to help you at 1138 ASH.

Have a fantastic year!

Dr. Russell Rhoads
Chair, Anthropology Department