Lukacs, who succeeds Theology professor Claire Mathews McGinnis, will begin his new duties on July 1. Lukacs has been a member of the Loyola faculty since 1981 and chaired the English department for 15 years. He currently sits on the senate of Phi Beta Kappa, the most prestigious honor society in the liberal arts in the world.

Jim Buckley, dean of Loyola’s College of Arts and Sciences, appointed Lukacs.

“I am delighted that Professor Lukacs has accepted the appointment,” said Buckley. “Paul brings long experience at Loyola, along with broad and deep knowledge of the Humanities in the Jesuit tradition, to the challenges facing the Humanities in American higher education. Under Paul's leadership, we can all look forward to the Center's continuing contribution to Loyola's mission.”

The Center for the Humanities was established in 1983 to provide strength and vision to the humanities at Loyola College. The Center sponsors a wide range of programs, some of which are ongoing, others which represent one-time grants. Programs include lectures, lectures series and fine arts performances; junior faculty sabbaticals and other forms of research support for both faculty and students; and various forms of support for teaching in the humanities.

Lukacs will be responsible for providing leadership to the Center’s steering committee as well as overseeing the day-to-day work of the Center. This includes the promotion and planning of activities, program administration and budget.

“The Humanities long have been at the heart of Loyola's identity, and the Center provides extraordinary opportunities for students and faculty to strengthen and reaffirm that identity,” said Lukacs. “I look forward to helping the College do just that.”