University of Richmond Archaeologist Receives Grant Funding for Project on Inclusivity and Diversity in Archaeology Courses

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Derek Miller, an archaeologist at the University of Richmond, is part of a collaborative team awarded nearly $40K in funding from the Associated Colleges of the South for a project focusing on designing more inclusive and equitable archaeology courses.

Miller, assistant director of community relationships and community-engaged learning in UR’s Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, is part of a working group of archeology faculty and staff from the University of Richmond, Furman College, Millsaps College, Rhodes College, Rollins College, Sewanee: The University Of The South, Trinity College, and grant project lead Centre College.

The group’s project, "At the Trowel's Edge: Reimagining Inclusivity and Diversity Within Our Archaeological Futures,” will focus on diversity, equity, and inclusivity in introduction to archaeology courses.

"We are critically assessing our Introduction to Archaeology syllabi to address cultural, racial, and gendered biases,” said Miller. “Archaeology is extremely white in terms of professionals and academics and this likely reflects biases in training and recruitment. We are starting at the beginning. We will be bringing in experts to rework the intro. syllabus and develop modules to be used moving forward."

The team will collect data through a survey to measure the effectiveness of the change.

Miller has worked at the University since 2014. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his Ph.D. from William & Mary. He is a founding member of RVA Archaeology.

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