By Fatima Salinas  

Fourteen esteemed scholars from across the country will travel to Iowa City during the upcoming academic year to visit the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences through the Ida Cordelia Beam Distinguished Visiting Professorships Program. 

The long-standing program in the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost is a source of intellectual stimulation for students and faculty. It provides an opportunity to bring new perspectives, knowledge, and teaching to university departments and colleges. 

Learn more about the scholars visiting the college during the 2025-26 academic year. 

• Rae Armantrout is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet known for her sharp, thought-provoking writing and influence on contemporary American poetry. A long-time professor at the University of California, San Diego, Armantrout has been widely recognized for her work exploring language, identity, and culture.  Armantrout’s visit is sponsored by the Writers’ Workshop, the Magid Center for Writing, and the Department of English. 

• Lawrence Baron is a historian and professor emeritus at San Diego State University, where he specialized in modern Jewish history and Holocaust studies. His research includes the portrayal of the Holocaust in film and media. Baron’s visit is sponsored by the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, and Cultures, as well as the Department of English. Sponsoring programs include German, international studies, Jewish studies, and religious studies. 

• Jessica Calarco is a sociologist and associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on inequality in education and parenting, particularly how schools and policies impact families from different backgrounds. Calarco’s visit is sponsored by the departments of Sociology and Criminology; Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies; and Religious Studies, as well as Office of the Vice President for Research. 

• Leah DeVun is a historian and artist at Rutgers University with expertise in gender studies, the history of science, and visual culture. Her work often explores how science and identity intersect, both through academic research and photography. DeVun’s visit is sponsored by the departments of History and English.  

• Stefon Harris is a celebrated jazz vibraphonist and composer, currently serving as Dean of Jazz Arts at the Manhattan School of Music. Known for his innovative approach to jazz education and performance, Harris brings deep knowledge of improvisation, rhythm, and collaboration. Harris’ visit is sponsored by the School of Music, the African American studies program, and Tippie College of Business.  

• Stephanie LeMenager is a professor of English and environmental studies at the University of Oregon, known for her work in environmental humanities and climate culture. She studies how literature and storytelling respond to ecological change. LeMenager’s visit is sponsored by the departments of English and American Studies.  

• Lowell Liebermann is a renowned American composer and pianist, whose works span symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and opera. His music has been performed by major orchestras around the world.  Liebermann's visit is sponsored by the School of Music.  

• Elizabeth McCracken is an award-winning fiction writer and professor at the University of Texas at Austin, known for novels and story collections that explore memory, family, and loss. Her books have received critical acclaim for their emotional depth and originality. McCracken’s visit is sponsored by the Writers' Workshop, the Department of English, and the Magid Center for Writing.  

• Ross McGarry is a senior lecturer in criminology at the University of Liverpool, with expertise in military sociology, trauma, and veteran studies. His research focuses on how military experiences shape identity, mental health, and social reintegration. McGarry’s visit is sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Criminology, as well as the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights. 

• Joshua B. Nelson is an associate professor of English and Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma, with research focused on Indigenous literature, film, and critical theory. His work explores themes of identity, sovereignty, and cultural survival. Nelson’s visit is sponsored by the departments of Mathematics, English, Cinematic Arts, Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies, History, and Anthropology, as well as the Native American and Indigenous Studies program. 

• Clara Obligado is an Argentine Spanish writer and essayist, known for her work in fiction and her role in introducing micro fiction to Spain. Her writing often explores themes of exile, identity, and feminism. Obligado’s visit is sponsored by the departments of Spanish and Portuguese; and English, as well as the International Writing Program.  

• Alejandro Russo is an international choreographer, director and dance notator. Russo is a Spanish-Argentinian-born, France-based artist merging his background in industrial engineering with Labanotation, which is a sophisticated system of recording and analyzing movement and dance through written symbols that represent time, level, direction, body and space. Russo’s visit is sponsored by the Department of Dance.  

• The Isidore String Quartet is a dynamic chamber ensemble formed by graduates of The Juilliard School, known for reimagining classical repertoire with fresh perspective and emotional depth. The quartet has earned international recognition, including first prize at the Banff International String Quartet Competition. The Quartet’s visit is sponsored by the School of Music, Hancher Auditorium and the UI String Quartet Residency Program. 

• Hill Harper is an actor, author, and activist best known for his roles in television series such as CSI: New York, Limitless, and The Good Doctor. Alongside his work in film and television, he is a graduate of Harvard Law School and a passionate advocate for social justice, youth empowerment, and education. Harper’s visit is sponsored by the African American studies program.