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James Peacock |
James L. Peacock, Kenan professor of anthropology and director of the University Center for International Studies, will deliver the keynote address at the University's mid-winter commencement Dec. 20.
The ceremony, to be held at 2 p.m. at the Dean E. Smith Center, will recognize students who completed their degrees in August or December. Parking will be available in the lots adjacent to the Smith Center, where a reception on the concourse will follow the ceremony.
Peacock will continue Carolina's tradition of faculty speakers at December commencement. A selection committee of students and faculty recommended him to Chancellor Michael Hooker, who approved the choice.
"Jim Peacock is one of the most respected members of the Carolina faculty," said Provost Richard J. Richardson, chair of the Commencement Committee. "Besides his well-deserved reputation as a brilliant scholar, he is known as a mentor who cares deeply about the lives of our students and the ideals that make Carolina such an outstanding institution. I am delighted that Jim has agreed to be our December commencement speaker. He will bring a message of inspiration and motivation."
Peacock, who served as chair of the faculty from 1991 to 1994, said he planned to discuss Carolina's future role as an international university.
"Prior to World War II, Carolina became a great state and regional university," he said. "Since World War II, Carolina has become a leading national university. Now Carolina must and will become an international university, but without losing state and regional roots, heritage and soul."
Up to 2,329 students may be recognized at the mid-winter ceremony for completion of bachelor's, master's, doctoral or professional degrees, officials said. Of those students, 909 completed degree requirements in August and about 1,420 are expected to complete their course work and examinations by December.
Peacock has taught in the University's anthropology department for 31 years and served two stints as chair. He was named a Kenan professor in 1987. A past president of the American Anthropological Association -- the field's top professional organization -- and the Society for Cultural Anthropology, Peacock has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and served as vice president of the American Society for the Study of Religion.
Much of Peacock's research focuses on Southeast Asia. He has written numerous scholarly articles as well as several books, including Rites of Modernization: Symbolic and Social Aspects of Indonesian Proletarian Drama, Consciousness and Change: Symbolic Anthropology in Evolutionary Perspective and Muslim Puritans: The Reformist Psychology in Southeast Asian Islam.
The professor's numerous accomplishments on campus have resulted in honors such as the 1998 Faculty Service Award from the General Alumni Association, the Thomas Jefferson Award, the Employee Forum Community Award for Improvement in Faculty-Staff Relations and induction into the Order of the Golden Fleece.
A native of Montgomery, Ala., Peacock earned a bachelor's degree from Duke University and a Ph.D. in social anthropology from Harvard University.
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