On July 1, 2024, Prof. Pamela Lothspeich became the director of the Carolina Asia Center, providing leadership and vision to the unit. Prof. Lothspeich is a professor in South Asian Studies in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, where her research centers on adaptations of the Indian epics in Hindi literature, theatre, and film. The Carolina Asia Center is pleased to publish this first message from her to coincide with the start of Fall semester, 2024.
I’m writing with a very warm welcome to all of the old and new friends of the Carolina Asia Center! As incoming Director, I’m so honored to take the baton from my wonderful colleague Ji-Yeon Jo and thankful for her inspiring and generous leadership. Under Dr. Jo’s tenure as Director, the CAC maintained its status as a premier pan-Asia Center in the Southeast, winning NRC Title VI and FLAS grants in support of our research, teaching, and programming activities, and a Henry Luce Foundation grant in support of the study of Southeast Asia.
In my short time at the Center, I have already had a glimpse of all the great work the amazing team at the CAC is doing behind the scenes. I am so excited to work with them to continue providing robust and engaging Asia-related programming and opportunities for all of our faculty, staff, students, and community partners. If ever you would like to chat about anything Asia-related, please write to me at ploth@email.unc.edu to schedule a time to meet at the FedEx GEC. My door is always open. Wishing you all happiness and success in the coming year!