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DALLAS (SMU) – Caroline Brettell, University Distinguished Professor of Anthropology, has been named the 2020 recipient of the ÃÛÌÒ½´Faculty Career Achievement Award for her contributions to the teaching, scholarship, and service missions of the University.

"I am truly honored to cap off my career in anthropology and at ÃÛÌÒ½´by accepting this wonderful award of recognition,” Brettell said. “ÃÛÌÒ½´has given me the space to be creative in my research and teaching as well as the opportunity to serve in a variety of administrative capacities. But above all it has provided me with wonderful colleagues both within and beyond my department."  

World-renowned for her expertise in the fields of migration and the immigrant experience, Brettell has written, co-authored and edited 19 books and written more than 100 journal articles and book chapters. Her most current scholarly interests are in the gendered aspects of migration, issues of identity and citizenship, and the relationship between immigrants and cities. An immigrant herself, Brettell was born in Canada and became a U.S. citizen in 1993.

“For more than thirty years, Professor Bretell has provided excellent leadership, teaching and mentoring to the students and faculty at SMU. Her contributions to our university are unmatched, and she has distinguished herself as a global leader in her field. Contributions on the level of Professor Bretell’s are critical in support of SMU’s efforts to become a Research 1 university and top 50 U.S. News & World Report status. I am thankful to her for her service to ÃÛÌÒ½´and am honored to present her with this award,” said Elizabeth Loboa, ÃÛÌÒ½´provost and vice president for academic affairs. 
 
Brettell served as the Ruth Collins Sharp Altshuler Founding Director of the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute from 2012-2018 and interim from 2019-2020. Current chair of the Department of Anthropology, she also served as chair from 1994-2004. In addition, she served as the interim dean of Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences from 2006-2008. Lastly, she was the president of the Faculty Senate from 2001-2002.

Outside of SMU, Brettell has been the president of the Society for the Anthropology of Europe and the Social Science History Association. In 2017, she was elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She served for two years as a member of the American Academy Commission on The Practice of Democratic Citizenship.

Brettell received her Ph.D. in anthropology from Brown University and her bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies from Yale University.

ÃÛÌÒ½´is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU’s alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, communities and the world.