Reflecting somewhat of a softening in the University of Utah's decades-long reputation for eschewing academic study associated with Mormonism, the U. is offering a new fellowship in Mormon studies.

Robert Goldberg, director of the school's Tanner Humanities Center, said the $18,000 fellowship is believed to be the first of its kind at the U. "It's creating a buzz here but also around the country," he said, as news of the opportunity for a graduate student to focus on one aspect of Mormonism spreads.

"We've gotten a lot of calls and a lot of congratulations as well," he said, noting many of those who have responded are "a little surprised but think the time has come." In particular, several of Goldberg's former students who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have contacted him to offer their support, he said.

Funded by the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, the fellowship is designed to "enable doctoral students of unusual ability and achievement to engage in research and writing full time," focusing on a topic related to the "history and/or culture of Mormonism." The recipient will be be provided with a private office and is expected to be in residence at the U. for nine months beginning in August.

Applications are due by March 1. Information is available on the Web at www.thc.utah.edu.

A selection committee will be composed of professors and area residents, Goldberg said.

The idea for the fellowship originated with Goldberg. "I got up one morning at 5 a.m. and said, 'This is a good idea.' I spent an hour writing a proposal and presented it to the foundation. They thought it was a good idea and agreed to fund it for a two-year period. We'll have two fellows in consecutive years."

Offering such a fellowship seems like a logical thing for a university located just up the hill from the headquarters of the LDS Church, but political wrangling and what Goldberg acknowledged has been some long-standing "anti-Mormon sentiment" makes the announcement something of a surprise for many.

The move comes at a time of growing interest in Mormon studies among scholars of religion and history in several parts of the country. Utah State University formed the state's first religious studies program in 2004, featuring an endowed chair in Mormon studies named after the late LDS Church historian Leonard Arrington. Interest and enrollment in the program has blossomed quickly, according to officials at USU.

"Here we are in the center of Mormondom. If you want to do it, all the resources are here," Goldberg said.