James Madison College, the undergraduate residential college with a focus on public and international affairs at Michigan State University, invites applications for the Stephen O. Murray Scholar-in-Residence. The award is made possible by a generous endowment given by Dr.Keelung Hong in honor of his late partner, the scholar Stephen O. Murray, who was also a graduate of James Madison College. The Scholar-in-Residence will lecture at James Madison College and Michigan State University while also conducting research, using the Stephen O. Murray Archival Collection as well as other collections in the MSU Libraries. Murray Scholars are expected to give lectures and undertake research projects on Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender and Queer + (LBGTQ+) issues, which may include a rich variety of inter- and cross-disciplinary topics. In addition, the selected Murray Scholar is expected to be in residence at JMC/MSU for some part of fall 2025 or spring 2026 semester, to take part in the intellectual life of the community, and to play an active role in mentoring students.

Duration: The duration of the award will be arranged depending upon the availability and interests of the selected scholar and the needs of the college.The award period could range from multiple short-term visits of 1-2 weeks throughout the year to a longer-term visit spanning a semester.

Qualifications/Eligibility:

Applicants should be working in fields related to LBGTQ+ studies, with a history of or interest in pursuing inter- or cross-disciplinary work and using the Stephen O. Murray Collection. The college is particularly interested in scholars whose work takes up issues of intersectionality. International applicants must hold or be eligible for an appropriate U.S. visa to be eligibleto visit MSUs campus and receive the financial support available for Murray Scholars.

Application and Review Process:

Application must include a cover letter detailing their interests and expertise as well as the theme for any lectures or course to be offered, a CV, a research proposal, teaching materials (if appropriate), and names/contact information for three references. Selection committee may choose to interview candidates to evaluate their lecturing/teaching potential. After review of the candidates, the selection committee will submit their recommendations to the Dean who will make the final decision on the selection.

Financial Considerations: Murray Scholars will be awarded an honorarium to be determined based on the seniority of the candidate and the duration of the visit as well as activities to be undertaken. The College will also provide support for travel to/from MSUs campus, on-campus or other available lodging arrangements, and meal and incidental expenses support. Additionally, Murray Scholars may be eligible for research support, including student assistance, course materials and other related expenditures to fulfill the teaching, public presentations, and research responsibilities they have negotiated with the College.

Application materials: Please forward all materials to Katie Dyjach dyjachk@msu.edu. Review of applications will begin on April 1, 2025. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.