South Central Conference on Mesoamerica, at LSU, over Fall Holiday

                                                                                                                                

 

The South Central Conference on Mesoamerica (SCCM) was held over Fall Holiday at LSU, with 3 days of lectures in Howe-Russell, a dedicated poster session, lunch, dinner, and coffee in the Atrium, and a tour of the Archaeology and DIVA labs. There were two key notes speakers, including Dr. Diane Chase (Provost from University of Houston) and Dr. Arlen Chase (Professor in Anthropology) on Friday; Dr. Helen Haines, Professor from Trent University in Canada. As well as being great speakers and experts in Maya archaeology, the goal was to encourage them to send graduate students to our dept. Faculty and students from universities in the southeast and beyond presented papers and were impressed with our department. An estimated 50 people attended each day, with most staying the entire time. Students presenters from our department included Hannah Johnson, Sarah Miller, Amanda Meaux, Amy (Hair) Hernandez, and Hanna Derouen. The SCCM was organized by me with former students Dr. Rachel Watson and Dr. Cher Foster. Generous funding was provided by the LSU HSS Strategic Excellence Fund, the Louisiana Archaeological Society, and the Department of Geography & Anthropology, with coffee provided by Ruta Maya. Student assistance at the conference was provided by Sarah Miller, Alex Broussard, Amanda Meaux, Walker Weindorf, Victoria Thompson, Hannah Johnson, Lella Syma, Alan Schexnayder, Madison Vogt, and Marcie David. Assistance behind the scenes was provided by students Ben Winkelman, Finley May, Nick Porter, Jaleyne Allison, and Peyton Scoskie. Department office staff Sarah Crabtree and Zach Averette were a tremendous help with the conference as well. Thanks to all of the faculty who attended.