EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s College of Arts and Sciences has appointed Joey Quiñones as the 2024-25 McAndless Distinguished Professor Chair in the Humanities. Quiñones, a nationally recognized artist and scholar and the head of fiber at Cranbrook Academy of Art will engage with the EMU community through a series of campus-wide and community events during their residency from September 2024 to April 2025.

As part of their engagement, Quiñones will lead the “Marking Place” project, an interdisciplinary initiative launched this fall. The project involves discussions, public lectures, exhibitions, and collaborative artistic experiences centered around the role of public monuments and sculptures on EMU’s campus and throughout Ypsilanti.

“The Marking Place project considers the role of statues, monuments, and memorials in representing diverse narratives,” says Quiñones. “We invite students from all disciplines to ask: ‘What should we, as a community, remember? How can we honor multiple histories in shared spaces, and what are alternative forms of monumentality?’”

Established in 1986, the McAndless Chair brings a visiting scholar, artist, or writer of national prominence to EMU each year, thanks to a generous bequest from the late M. Thelma McAndless, former professor of English language and literature. Quiñones’ appointment reflects this legacy by bringing unique, transformative perspectives to the University.

“As a queer Black artist, my work examines how histories of race, class, gender, and sexuality intersect with larger societal narratives,” said Quiñones. “I’m excited to engage the EMU community in reflecting on how public art shapes our understanding of history and identity.” 

The community is encouraged to attend the following events during Quiñones’ residency:

• Keynote Lecture: "Marking Place: Art, Artists, and Monumentality"
  Thursday, Oct. 24, 5 – 6:15 p.m.
  Halle Library Auditorium
  Quiñones will deliver the keynote lecture on how statues, monuments, and memorials at EMU reflect the diverse histories of the University community.
• Marking Place Exhibition
  Jan. 3-31, 2025
  University Gallery, Student Center
  A juried exhibition featuring works by EMU students and Quiñones, will explore themes of memory and commemoration.
• Marking Place Sculpture Installation
  March – April 2025
  EMU Campus
  Sculptures by EMU and Cranbrook School of Art students will be temporarily installed on the EMU campus.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.