Keys receives prestigious Olin fellowship
SAM DERHEIMER
News Writer
Mary Keys, assistant professor of government and international studies at Notre Dame, won't have to worry about grading any papers or tests next year. She won't have to worry about preparing any lectures. In fact, she won't have to worry about teaching class at all.
Keys was named as one of eight John M. Olin Faculty Fellowship grant recipients by the National Association of Scholars (NAS). The grant, awarded annually, is for any junior faculty members who has completed his or her doctorate and who works in the social sciences or related fields, provided he or she has some research interest in political theory, public policy, American government, American foreign policy or the historical study of government or economics.
While on leave, the fellowship will step in and cover the costs of Keys' salary at Notre Dame and benefits for the entire year. Keys will then be able to take the year off from teaching to concentrate on her Olin project, "Virtue, Law, and the Common Good: The Relevance of Thomas Aquinas."
"I really love to teach, and I'll miss the regular contact with students," Keys said. "But I hope to return to the classroom in a year with more energy, and at least a few new insights."
The process of winning the grant was a daunting one. Keys was first nominated for the award by fellow Notre Dame government professor Michael Zuckert. She then had to submit a description of her intended research project and publication plans, a copy of her curriculum and a copy of an preexisting published book chapter or article she had written. After that, the decision was left solely to the discretion of the NAS selection committee.
Keys was notified she had been chosen in late January of this year.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to complete by first book. I also hope to write a new article or two over the course of the year," Keys said. "It's also nice to know that some scholars outside of Notre Dame find my research project important and interesting enough to fund."
"I really liked her class," said sophomore Mike Richard, a former student of Keys. "She provided a lot of insight into the fundamental concepts of politics."
Richard said he believed NAS made a good decision in choosing Keys.
"This award should grant her the time and resources to enlighten many, not just those who were fortunate enough to take her class."
Keys earned her bachelor's degree from Boston College and her master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Toronto. Keys has been a member of the Notre Dame faculty since 1995, specializing in political theory, with a focus on Christianity and policial thought.
All News Stories for Wednesday, March 8, 2000
