Dear Colleagues,
The Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations (NMC) announce the departure of Professor Timothy Harrison from his current position as a full-time faculty member. As of September 2023, he will be the incoming Director of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) at the University of Chicago. While we bid farewell to Professor Harrison’s presence on campus, we are pleased to announce his continued service as Status-Only Faculty. This new role acknowledges his invaluable expertise and his profound impact on the University community since his arrival in Toronto in 1997.
Professor Timothy Harrison has been an exemplary member of the University of Toronto community for the past 25 years, making significant contributions to archaeological field research in the Middle East and leaving an indelible mark on both the Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations and the wider academic community. As the lead researcher of the CRANE project, Tim pioneered ground-breaking research that garnered international recognition and pushed the boundaries of knowledge. His research changed our understanding of archaeology in the Near East and demonstrated exceptional dedication, passion, and a commitment to academic excellence. He successfully served as the NMC Chair for two terms (2011-2022), and as Co-Chair of the Humanities Chairs Group (2014-2016) in the Faculty of Arts and Science.
As a Status-Only Faculty member, Professor Harrison will continue to mentor and guide his students, ensuring their academic progress and success. Professor Harrison’s commitment to the development and success of his students has been instrumental in shaping the intellectual journeys of numerous students. We are delighted that he will continue to supervise his current doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Professor Timothy Harrison for his exceptional service and dedication to the University of Toronto community. His impact will continue to resonate within our halls, and his legacy as a respected academic and mentor will endure.
Please join us in congratulating Professor Harrison on his new roles as the incoming Director of ISAC (formerly the Oriental Institute) at the University of Chicago and his appointment as Status-Only Faculty in NMC at the University of Toronto.
Sincerely,
____________________
Mohamad Tavakoli-Targhi,
Chair and Graduate Chair
Professor of History, Historical Studies,
Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations