Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University has appointed Kyle Whyte as the 2025–26 McAndless Distinguished Professor Chair in the Humanities. Whyte's work focuses on Indigenous rights, climate justice, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. His role will involve leading events and lectures under the theme “Indigenous Peoples and Climate Justice: Rights, Knowledge, and Climate Action.”

W. John Koolage, department head of history and philosophy at EMU, expressed enthusiasm about Whyte's appointment. “We’re so excited to have Dr. Kyle Whyte join us as the McAndless Distinguished Professor for the upcoming year,” Koolage said. He noted that Whyte’s expertise would benefit students across various levels.

Whyte aims to promote collaboration across disciplines to support Indigenous rights and sustainable futures. His activities will highlight partnerships between humanities, arts, and STEM fields as essential for advocating Indigenous peoples' rights.

Whyte is scheduled to deliver public lectures at EMU on September 24, 2025, and February 11, 2026. He will also conduct workshops and class visits focusing on Indigenous sustainability, climate science, environmental justice, and advocacy for Indigenous rights starting this fall.

The McAndless Professorship honors English professor M. Thelma McAndless and brings new voices in the humanities to EMU each year since its establishment in 1986.

James Egge, associate dean for programs at EMU, emphasized the importance of Whyte's contributions. “By sharing how Indigenous leaders are fighting for climate justice," Egge said, "Dr. Whyte will provide us with new conceptual tools for thinking about ethics and the environment.”

For more information about the McAndless Distinguished Professor Chair or Eastern Michigan University, visit their website.