Harvard Medievalists Honored

James Simpson, Donald P. and Katherine B. Loker Research Professor of English, has been named a Corresponding Fellow of the Medieval Academy of America (MAA), the world's largest professional organization devoted to teaching and research on the medieval world. Induction as an MAA Fellow is one of the highest honors in the field of Medieval Studies; Professor Simpson is the 49th Harvard faculty member to be recognized since the creation of the Fellows in 1926.

Sean Gilsdorf, Administrative Director and Lecturer on Medieval Studies, has been given the 2026 Robert L. Kindrick Prize for Outstanding Service to Medieval Studies by the Medieval Academy of America's Committee on Centers and Regional Associations (CARA). This award "recognizes individuals who have developed, promoted, and administered Medieval Studies programming, curricula, and institutions—work that often goes unrecognized by the profession at large." Dr. Gilsdorf joined the Committee on Medieval Studies as its Program Coordinator in 2012, becoming Administrative Director in 2016. In addition to his work for Harvard's community of medievalists, he also has served in a variety of roles with the New England Medieval Consortium, the international medievalist organization CARMEN, and the Medieval Academy of America.

Professor Simpson and Dr. Gilsdorf will be recognized by the Medieval Academy at its annual meeting this March, hosted by the University of Massachusetts and the Five Colleges Consortium.