Ohio University was one of just six institutions chosen to be a part of this Jewish Studies Expansion Project (JSEP). This competitive process began with an advisory committee that initially selected more than 40 candidate schools by comparing the size of the Jewish population on campus with the number of Jewish studies courses offered. Other institutions receiving the award include American University, Northeastern University, Towson University, Tulane University and the University of Delaware.

"It is the foundation's intention that this grant will demonstrate the value of having an additional scholar of Jewish studies on campus, stimulate a longer-term commitment to Jewish studies at the university and encourage the building of relationships between the university and the community," said Elise Bernhardt, CEO and president of the National Foundation for Jewish Culture.

The goal of JSEP is to give undergraduate students a greater opportunity to learn about Jewish culture, history and religion. While Jewish life at Ohio University has thrived over the years, the number of Jewish studies course offerings is small, with two to three courses a year focused on Jewish topics.

Ohio University expects to choose the Schusterman Teaching Fellow this quarter. The appointment will allow for expansion in the number of Jewish studies courses offered at the university and enhance opportunities for cultural enrichment. He or she also will work to increase the awareness of Jewish studies by organizing events, lectures and conferences, and by connecting faculty and students to the Jewish community.

Additional funding for the Jewish studies program will be raised to implement these goals – with a long-term goal of hiring full-time, permanent faculty. Currently, Ohio University is actively raising funds to match the Schusterman grant.