The University of Denver Center for Judaic Studies announces a new model for Jewish studies collaboration between DU and the University of Colorado-Boulder (CU).
David Shneer, who has directed the DU center since 2003, has accepted a new position as an associate professor of history and director of CU’s newly established Center for Jewish Studies beginning August 2008.
Sarah Pessin, associate professor of philosophy at DU and the Emil and Eva Hecht Chair in Judaic Studies, will be DU’s new CJS director beginning July 1, 2008. She has been with the center since the fall of 2004 and received tenure in September 2007.
“This marks a ground-breaking opportunity for collaboration between these two major Colorado universities that will benefit both students and the community at large,” Pessin says. “This is a truly wonderful opportunity, and I will bring to it my dedication, creativity and passion for Judaism and Judaic studies.”
“I am excited and honored to be building a Jewish studies center at the University of Colorado and at having the opportunity to re-envision collaboration between DU and CU,” Shneer says. “We look forward to making Colorado a major center for Jewish studies that rivals any of those on the East and West coasts and, more importantly, to providing new and cutting-edge opportunities for student and faculty engagement.”
Shneer and Pessin will serve as co-directors during a two-month transition period through the end of June 2008.