Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Eminent Scholars in Latin American Studies

Gabriel Villa - Fall 2017

Professor Gabriel Villa from Chicago, Illinois, is CSU's 17th Elena Diaz Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies.

Gabriel Villa was born and raised in the El Paso, Texas/ Ciudad Juarez border region and currently resides in Chicago, Illinois, where he is an active member of the arts community. Villa received his MFA from the University of Delaware, a BFA from Corpus Christi State University-Texas A& M and attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Skowhegan, MN. Villa has had numerous national exhibitions and has received numerous awards. Villa's teaching practices include Visiting Artist at American University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Visiting Artist at Statesville Prison, Crest Hill IL, with the Prison Neighborhood & Prison Arts Project and The Chicago High School for the Arts (The Mural: History and Painting), Chicago, IL. Villa served from 2005-2011 as Director of Yollocalli Arts Reach, a youth initiative of the National Museum of Mexican Art and also served as Co-Curator for the Chicago Kraft Foods Gallery from 2006-2011 at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

While serving as the Amos Scholar at CSU Professor Villa will be teaching the following:

ARTS 3555 (Selected Topics in Art) - "The Mural: History and Practice"

Alvaro J. Perez - Spring 2016

Professor Álvaro J. Pérez from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador in Quito was CSU's 16th annual
Elena Diaz Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies.

Professor Pérez received his masters degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador.

At Pontificia Professor Pérez serves as the curator of Angiosperms or flowering plants in the university's
well known herbarium. He has worked closely with CSU's Dr. Kevin Burgess completing research projects
on plant DNA coding. Several CSU graduate students have worked with Professor Pérez who also serves on
their thesis committees.

While serving as the Amos Scholar at CSU Professor Pérez taught classes on Ethnobotany
(including his research on the traditional medical remedies of indigenous Amazonian peoples) and
Tropical Plant Taxonomy. He also continued working with CSU graduate students at CSU and
in Ecuador during spring break.

Gerald Greenfield - Spring 2015

Education :

• B.A., SUNY at Buffalo, 1967
• MA, Brooklyn College, 1969
• Ph.D, Indiana University, Bloomington, 1975

Teaching Areas:

• Latin American History-- Brazil and Mexico
• Latin-US Relations
• American History
• Popular Culture

Research Areas:

• Brazilian History
• Major Publications:
  • The Realities of Images. Imperial Brazil and the Great Drought, Philadelphia, American Philosophical Society, 2001 (Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, Vol. 91, Pt. 1)
  • Coeditor (with John D. Buenker), Those United States: International Perspectives on American History, 2 vols., (Dallas: Harcourt Brace, 2000).
  • Editor,Latin American Urbanization: Historical Profiles of Major Cities (Greenwood Press, 1994)
  • Coeditor with Sheldon L. Maram, Latin American Labor Organizations (Greenwood Press, 1987)
  • Coauthor with Gary Elbow, Western Hemisphere(Silver Burdett, and Ginn, 1992)
  • "The Great Drought and Elite Discourse in Imperial Brazil," Hispanic American Historical Review (August 1992)
  • Other articles include such journals as: Journal of Latin American Studies, Journal of Urban History, Social Science History, and Luso-Brazilian Review

Work in Progress:

• Lifetimes of Drought: The Brazilian Northeast's Unending Crisis

Awards, Honors, and Fellowships:

• W-Parkside, Outstanding Service Award, 1996
• UW-Parkside Outstanding Teaching Award, 1996
• American Philosophical Society Research Grant, 1985, 1994
• Fulbright-Hays Senior Lecturer, Aug.-Dec. 1981

Oscar Alvarez Gila, Spring 2014

CSU is pleased to welcome Dr. Oscar Alvarez Gila as the newest Amos Scholar in Latin American Studies. Dr. Gila received his Ph.D. degree in History from the University of the Basque Country where he is a Professor of History.  During Spring 2014 he is serving as the Elena Diaz Verson Amos Eminent Scholar Chair in Latin American Studies at Columbus State University. Previously he held visiting scholar positions at the European Studies Centre of the University of Oxford, U.K. and the University of Nevada-Reno. Dr. Gila's main research interests are the study of international migrations during the 19th and 20th centuries, especially the mass migration from the Basque Country in northern Spain and southwestern France to the Americas. He has published extensively in this field including most recently Environmental Changes and Forced Migration Scenarios (2010).

Dr. Gila will be giving a public lecture at CSU entitled "What Migration Left: Basque Migration to the Americas and its Echoes in Popular Culture" at 12:30 pm on 25 March at the Spencer Event Hall, International House.

Paloma Martinez-Cruz, Spring 2013

Dr. Paloma Martinez-Cruz holds a PhD from Columbia University and is interested in the connection between Mesoamerican literature and feminism. She has published two books and has contributed scholarly articles in several academic journals. She has also performed monologues and prose and poetry expressing her ideas. In addition to readings of poetry and prose, Martinez-Cruz has also given a dozen performance art pieces in Chicago, Mexico City, Berkeley, and elsewhere.

In her book, Women and Knowledge in Mesoamerica: From East L.A. to Anahuac, Martinez-Cruz addresses
the exclusion of Mesoamerican women from mainstream intellectual history. She is currently working on a book entitled
The Intimate Life of the Cabrona, which explores the concept of the cabrona or the “bad woman” that willfully seeks to disrupt
the established order as an “icon-smashing rebel” who manages to “transcend both Catholic and capitalist priorities.”

Martinez-Cruz describes her teaching philosophy as one “situated within the tradition of student-centered scholarship in which formal instruction endeavors to create critical, experimental, and personal learning opportunities.” In her classes, she encourages students to discuss the discourses of “normative heterosexuality and “female submission” through a historical perspective. The courses she taught were SPAN 3175: “Studies in Civilization: Latin America” and "Representations of Women."

Ethan Sharp, Spring 2012

Dr. Ethan Sharp received his M.A. in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and his Ph.D. in Folklore from Indiana University. He has previously taught at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), Indiana University, the University of Texas-Pan American and Agnes Scott College. In addition he studied and conducted research in several cities across Mexico (Oaxaca, Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey) and in Venezuela. More recently, during his 2009-2010 Fulbright Fellowship, Dr. Sharp conducted research on drug addiction, spirituality and rehabilitation in Monterrey, Mexico. Dr. Sharp's research interests are in the areas of religion, identity, social problems, and social justice. His primary research interest is the transnational Mexican community in the United States, and he is currently working on a book entitled No Longer Strangers: Mexican Immigrants, Catholic Ministries and the Promise of Citizenship. During spring 2012 semester Dr. Sharp taught "Drug Wars in Latin America and their Impact" and "Introduction to Latin American History."

Carlos Perez, Spring 2011

During spring 2011 Chilean guitarist Carlos Pérez was the Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies. He was in this role from 4 January through 5 March, coordinated by the university's Center for Global Engagement and Schwob School of Music.

A professor at the University of Chile, Pérez has given lectures and master classes around the world and taught “An Introduction to the Music of Latin America” and “Performance in Latin American Music” during his Columbus State appointment.

Pérez has captured top prizes in international performance competitions from 1996 to 2006 around Europe and America. He has issued eight CDs and is featured in a pair of DVDs, Guitarra Clásica and Concierto de Aranjuez.

Pepón Osorio, Spring 2009

Columbus State University was pleased to have Pepón Osorio as the spring 2009 Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies.

An internationally known artist, Osorio has had works shown at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art in Washington D. C., and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, among others. Osorio is best known for his large-scale installations, and has also been featured on the PBS series Art21.

At CSU Professor Osorio taught the unique class “Art in the Community.” He guided seven pairs of CSU students who created art in the homes of seven Columbus families. The student works reflected the histories of the families and the relationships that developed between the students and families. Osorio was the first Amos Eminent Scholar hosted by the Department of Art.

Roberto Sifuentes, Spring 2008

Columbus State University was pleased to have Roberto Sifuentes as the spring 2008 Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Dance from Trinity College, Roberto Sifuentes became a founding member and artistic collaborator of La Pocha Nostra Performance Troup, based out of San Francisco, CA. Mr. Sifuentes also returned to Trinity College as a visiting lecturer where he taught several courses in Performance Art.

At CSU Professor Sifuentes taught “Performance Identities and Cultural Avatars.” Sifuentes is the first visiting scholar hosted by the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Max Lifchitz, Fall 2006

Max Lifchitz was named the fall 2006 Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies.

In that role, Lifchitz taught two courses, “Selected Topics in Music: Modernism and Nationalist: Latin American Masters” and “Modern Latin America.”

Lifchitz, right, is active as a composer, performer, producer, arts administrator and educator. A graduate of The Julliard School and Harvard University, he was invited to join the faculty of the University at Albany, State University of New York in 1986. Previously, he held teaching appointments at the Manhattan School of Music and Columbia University.

Lifchitz is represented as a composer, pianist, and conductor on a number of CD and LP albums issued by the Classic Master, CRI, Finnadar, New World, North/South, Opus One, Philips, RCA Victor and Vienna Modern Masters labels.

Hildegardo Córdova-Aguilar, Fall 2005

Columbus State University named Dr. Hildegardo Córdova-Aguilar as the fall 2005 Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies. Cordova taught two courses, “Andean Biogeography” and “Urban Problems in Latin American Cities.”

At the time, Córdova was a professor of geography and executive director of the Center for Research in Applied Geography at the Pontifica Universidad Católica del Perú. Some of his former positions include a member of the Council of the Faculty of Social Sciences and coordinator of the Master's Program in Geography, both at the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Lima, Peru.

Additionally, Córdova has held three previous visiting scholarships at the University of Bergen in Norway, Syracuse University in New York and University of Akron in Ohio. Córdova received his master's degree in geography from the University of Texas and his Ph.D. in geography from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Karen E. Stothert, Fall 2004

Columbus State University named Karen E. Stothert as the fall 2004 Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies.

Stothert, right, taught two courses, “Ancient Art and Religion of Latin America” and “Contemporary and Ancient Women of Latin America.”

At the time, Stothert was a research associate for the Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas at San Antonio and an Investigator for the Anthropology Museum of the Central Bank of Ecuador, Guayaquil. Her previous positions included founding director and designer of the Amantes de Sumpa Museum in Santa Elena, Guayas, Ecuador; Fellow of Pre-Columbian Studies at Dumbarton Oaks, Wash.; visiting associate professor in the Department of Anthropology at Yale University. Stothert has participated in numerous research positions and projects and has written more than 10 articles and books.

Stothert studied at Yale University, where she received her master's in philosophy in anthropology and her doctorate in anthropology.

Warren Church, CSU assistant professor of archaeology and anthropology, nominated Stothert and said she is a multi-dimensional woman who is not only a leading scholar, but is also on the cutting edge of cultural research in a number of areas. According to Church, she has been instrumental in helping build community museums in Latin America and has made great contributions to the Latin American culture.

Church described Stothert as an electrifying speaker and a “bundle of energy.”

“She is warm and personable, and students love her class because she engages them," he said. "She makes them think and prods them into discussing issues of first importance.”

Dr. Eduardo Gomes, Fall 2003

Political scientist Eduardo Gomes arrived at CSU in August 2003 from Brazil to share his expertise dealing with the politics and economies of Latin America.

Gomes, right, a professor of political science at Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) in Rio de Janiero, served one semester as the Elena Amos Visiting Scholar in Latin American Studies, teaching "The Politics of Latin American Development" and "Introduction to Latin American Politics."

Gomes has a doctorate from the University of Chicago and speaks English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, his native language.

His career started in the early 1970s at UFF, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees and served as a teaching assistant. He subsequently has worked in the roles of teacher, researcher and administrator and as a history researcher for a private foundation in Brazil (1976-82).

Oscar Monteza, Fall 2002

Oscar Monteza, right, an educator and global expert on rural society issues for the United Nations and Panamanian government, arrived at CSU in October as the fall 2002 Elena Amos Visiting Scholar in Latin American Studies.

A professor then at Latina University in Panama, Monteza taught "The Panama Canal: A Case Study of Socioeconomic Development and Environmental Policy in an Emerging Nation."

Monteza's expertise lies in third world development. He specializes in rural cooperatives and other types of farmers' organizations, poverty alleviation/eradication, women's issues in development and democratization.

Prior to teaching, Monteza served the Panamanian government from 1963 to 1983 as director of cooperatives. In Panama, 25 percent of the population belongs to rural cooperatives, which play a vital role in the economy and society. From 1983 to 1996, he served the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome. He was a leading figure in global research and debate on rural cooperatives and was editor of the multilingual FAO publication on rural development. He has also served the International Fund for Agriculture Development and the World Bank.

Monteza performed his undergraduate studies in Canada and received a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin. He also has studied in Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, throughout Central America, England, Germany and Italy.

In addition to teaching, Monteza is an active cattle rancher and engages in reforestation and agrotourism projects. He is fluent in English, French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

Guillermo Martinez, Fall 2001

Novelist and mathematician Guillermo Martinez, right, served as CSU's fall 2001 Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies. While serving as a professor of mathematics at the University of Buenos Aires, he authored the novels "Regarding Roderer (1993, 1999 second edition)" and "The Woman Master (1999)."

Martinez, who at age 20 earned Argentina's National Short Story Award for "La jungla sin bestias" in 1982, has performed post-doctoral work in mathematics at Oxford University and has a related novel "The Oxford Series," in the works. At CSU, he taught literature courses and delivered a public lecture.

Dr. Paul E. Little, 2000

Paul E. Little, the Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies for 2000, spoke on "Misunderstandings of the Amazon Rain Forest in the Information Age," dispelling many myths held by people throughout the world. Most notable was his point that, despite the images and stories we receive from the media, only 5 percent of all persons in Amazonia are Amerindians while more than 60 percent are urban dwellers.

Little came to CSU from the Universidade de Brasilia in Brazil, where he was a full professor in the Department of Anthropology. He holds a dual Ph.D. in anthropology and Latin American studies. His principal teaching and research interests are Latin American and Indoamerican studies, political ecology and globalization and development theory. He has published several works on ethnic and environmental conflicts in the Amazon.

Herberto Padilla, 1999

Professor Heberto Padilla, a native of Cuba, received a Ph.D. in philosophy and literature from the University of Havana in 1959. In the United States, he studied at several international institutes and taught at institutions such as Princeton University and New York University before coming to Columbus State University in 1999 as the Elena Diaz-Verson Amos Eminent Scholar in Latin American Studies.

As an author, he has published many works, including novels, collections of poetry, and translations of works by T.S. Eliot and several British romantic poets, among others. Padilla has won the National Prize of the Cuban Union of Authors and Artists for his writing, as well as several other distinctions.

In the 1960s, he wrote a critique of Castro, Fuera del Jeugo (Out of the Game), for which he was jailed. He was eventually released, and in 1980, he was allowed to leave Cuba.

Padilla taught two advanced Spanish courses, Advanced Conversation and The Effects of American Film on Latin American Literature at CSU.

He expressed interest in American and Southern literature, naming authors like William Faulkner, Eudora Welty and Carson McCullers among his favorites.