Since 1956, the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Program has been offering undergraduates the opportunity to spend time with some of America's most distinguished scholars. The purpose of the program is to contribute to the intellectual life of the campus by making possible an exchange of ideas between the Visiting Scholars and the resident faculty and students.

Geraldo Cadava

Northwestern University, Latino History, Politics, and Immigration

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Douglas E. Christie

Loyola Marymount University, Spirituality and Contemplative Thought and Practice

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Ingrid Daubechies

Duke University, Mathematics and Electrical and Computer Engineering

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Douglas Emlen

University of Montana, Behavioral Ecology and Evolution of Animal Weaponry

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Daniel Hungerman

University of Notre Dame, Public Economics and Religion

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Martin Kern

Princeton University, Ancient Chinese History and Literature

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Tammy L. Kernodle

Miami University, Musicology and African American Music

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Kelly Lambert

University of Richmond, Behavioral Neuroscience and Experience-Based Neuroplasticity

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Kendra McSweeney

Ohio State University, Human-Environment Geography and Political Ecology

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Kathleen D. Morrison

University of Pennsylvania, Historical Ecology of South Asia

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Ryosuke Motani

University of California, Davis, Paleobiology

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Kristina Richardson

University of Virginia, Medieval Islamic History and Romani People

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Corey Robin

Brooklyn College, Modern Political Thought and Capitalism

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About the Program

      
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Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholars travel to more than 100 colleges and universities each year, spending two days on each campus and taking full part in the academic life of the institution. They meet informally with students and faculty members, participate in classroom discussions and seminars, and give a public lecture open to the academic community and the general public. Over the last 67 years, over 720 Visiting Scholars have made over 5,900 visits to Phi Beta Kappa sheltering institutions.

Our Chapter members appreciate PBK’s Visiting Scholar program as an important opportunity for furthering scholarly interaction and engaging students and the community in the liberal arts, and we look forward to additional Visiting Scholar opportunities in coming years.
— Associate Dean, University of Tulsa

Fred Lawrence, ΦBK Secretary/CEO, interviews Professor Harold Koh for a podcast episode

Application Process

      

Participation is limited to the 290+ campuses that shelter chapters of Phi Beta Kappa. Priority is given to those institutions not located in major metropolitan centers or that do not have extensive resources on which to draw for similar programs. If you are interested in bringing one of the Visiting Scholars to your campus, contact the secretary or president of the local Phi Beta Kappa chapter so that your preference can be considered. Invitations should not be sent directly to the Visiting Scholars. 

Questions about the program and the application process can be directed to Hadley Kelly, the Director of the Visiting Scholar Program, at hkelly@pbk.org
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