Creating Space for Change: Announcing Delaware Humanities’ New Board Members

July 24, 2025

by Adenike Davidson, Ph.D., Delaware Humanities Board Chair

The Humanities—nationally, regionally, and locally—have been under negative scrutiny this first half of 2025. While some may think this is similar to our recent battles with AI and centralizing STEM in higher education institutions, it is not the same fight; this new attack against Humanities Councils, big and small, is a battle for our future identity. Many of our organizations and institutions remain committed to the important work of exploring human experiences, defining our common humanity, and understanding the importance of documenting and sharing how our everyday lives contribute to the Humanities. We are all facing serious challenges which make that work more difficult. Not only is the personal political, but the political is also human.

Human experience is, at its core, struggle and perseverance, success and setbacks, and past and future. Delaware Humanities, like most councils (urban, suburban, and rural), has taken the present challenges to reorganize, reconfigure, and redesign; we remain committed and resolute to our mission and responsibility of creating space that brings together all three counties of the 302 to explore the human condition.

Through responsible stewardship and vision, Delaware Humanities has chosen to downsize space and personnel to concentrate on mission and our offerings. Our commitment to serving the State remains strong. We see our purpose fulfilling a need in our communities, and we seek your support in continuing that work. Although federal funding, for the present moment, has changed, the necessity for Humanities programs has increased in response to the quickly shifting foundation upon which we stand and our collective outlook on others.

In July, our all-volunteer board welcomed two new energetic members, Tim Slavin and Julia Domínguez. Although we said goodbye to Vice-Chair Amy Ferrer, whose board leadership has helped guide Delaware Humanities over the past eight years, we look forward to new Vice-Chair Clay Athey’s contributions in this role. Our Board continues to think critically and strategically about the ways Delaware Humanities can bring Delawareans together to achieve common goals and has begun a renewed focus on fundraising with our 302 Circle and upcoming fall fundraiser.

Please join us in welcoming Tim and Julia!

Julia Domínguez is Professor of Spanish and Director of the Latin American and Iberian Studies Program at the University of Delaware, where she also serves as an ACHIEVE Fellow. Her research explores early modern Spanish literature, especially Cervantes, through the lens of Renaissance science, memory, and visual culture. She is the author of “Quixotic Memories” and is completing “Mnemonic Marvels: The Arts of Memory in Early Modern Spain and Latin America”. An award-winning scholar and teacher, she promotes public humanities through teacher training, study abroad programs, and community-engaged initiatives linking language, culture, and social justice.

Tim Slavin serves as the Executive Director of the Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation, a position he has held since July 2022. Prior to this, he served as the Director of Historical and Cultural Affairs for the State of Delaware for 17 years, and as Director of the Delaware Public Archives for 5 years. He holds degrees in American Studies from Providence College (B.A.) and the University of Notre Dame (M.A.). He maintains certifications as a LEED Green Associate, Certified Facilities Manager, and Delaware Master Naturalist. He has resided in Dover since moving to Delaware in 1995.

Delaware Humanities’ Board of Directors is comprised of individuals who live or work in Delaware and are passionate about the humanities. Board members’ primary responsibilities include strengthening and monitoring the organization’s programs and services; ensuring effective fiscal management, fundraising, and strategic planning; selecting and orienting new board members; evaluating the Executive Director; and promoting Delaware Humanities activities. To learn how to get involved with Delaware Humanities, including becoming a Board Member, click here.