Jay Harrison announced as new director of the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College

Durango, CO – Fort Lewis College President Dene Thomas announced that Dr. Jay T. Harrison has been hired as the new director of the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College. He will begin in his new position on August 15, 2012.

Dr. Harrison comes to the Center from a position as director of federal programs at Fairfield Technologies, Inc. He also teaches European and Latin American history at Hood College in Frederick, MD. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Missouri, as well as a master’s and Ph.D. in history from Catholic University of America.

“After having the opportunity to meet Dr. Harrison, I was impressed with his knowledge of Fort Lewis College and the Center of Southwest Studies,” says President Thomas. “He holds a vision of the future that would define and enhance the Center’s service to the region and the nation as a cultural showcase and research facility. He also understands the importance of securing sustainable funding for the Center. With these things in mind, I am confident that Dr. Harrison is the right person to lead the Center of Southwest Studies into an exciting future.”

Dr. Harrison assumes the position last held by Dr. Kevin Britz, who passed away in 2011. Mr. Ken Francis took over as interim director of the Center and retired this summer.