U. to offer fellowship in Mormon studies

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