Obama to nominate new head of Humanities Endowment

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Barack Obama will nominate Colby College President William "Bro" Adams to be the next chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

In a statement Thursday, Obama says Adams brings extensive experience as an academic leader and a lifelong commitment to the humanities.

Adams has led Colby College in Maine since 2000 and previously was president of Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. He holds a doctorate in the history of consciousness and has been an advocate of liberal arts education.

If confirmed by the Senate, Adams would succeed former endowment Chairman Jim Leach who announced his resignation a year ago.

The National Endowment for the Humanities is a federal agency that funds cultural programs nationwide. Recent initiatives include the launch of a National Digital Public Library.