UCF Department of Anthropology

08/22/2026

The UCF Department of Anthropology faculty and staff are ready to welcome new and returning Anthro Knights for Fall 2026!

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or coming back for another semester, we’re excited to have you as part of the UCF Anthropology community.

Here’s to a great semester ahead!

Go Knights! Charge On!
💛⚔️🖤

08/15/2026

Congratulations to Drs. Beatriz Reyes-Foster and Julia Listengarten on their permanent appointments as Associate Deans in the UCF College of Graduate Studies! 🎉

We are especially proud to celebrate our own Dr. Beatriz Reyes-Foster from the UCF Department of Anthropology. We look forward to seeing their continued leadership and impact on graduate education and the UCF community.

Congratulations on this well-deserved appointment! 💛🖤

Drs. Beatriz Reyes-Foster and Julia Listengarten have been named permanent associate deans in the UCF College of Graduate Studies, following nearly two years of interim leadership.

08/13/2026

🌊 Join UCF Coastal for the next Conversations from the Coast, featuring UCF Anthropology’s Dr. Sarah “Stacy” Barber!

Dr. Barber will present “Rethinking the Present Throughout the Past: The Archaeology of Coastal Social-Ecological Systems.” Discover how archaeological research can offer valuable insights into today’s coastal environments and support more sustainable decisions for the future.

- August 25
- Noon–1 p.m.
- Virtual via Microsoft Teams
- Register here: 3bc6fa9b-b4cc-455d-9758-59b4654da01a@bb932f15-ef38-42ba-91fc-f3c59d5dd1f1" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3bc6fa9b-b4cc-455d-9758-59b4654da01a@bb932f15-ef38-42ba-91fc-f3c59d5dd1f1

Don’t miss this fascinating opportunity to learn how the past can help us better understand and manage our coastal ecosystems!

08/07/2026

NEW CERTIFICATE ALERT!
 
The UCF Department of Anthropology is excited to introduce the Disability in Culture Certificate!
 
This interdisciplinary undergraduate certificate explores disability as a cultural and social construct, bringing together perspectives from anthropology, American Sign Language, writing and rhetoric, health sciences, sociology, gerontology, and more. Students can select electives that align with their academic interests and career goals.
 
• Five courses
• 13–15 total credits
• No additional admission requirements
• Flexible elective options across multiple disciplines
 
Required courses include Anthropology of Disability and Anthropology of the Body, with electives covering topics such as Deaf studies, disability rights, inclusive education, mental health, writing and rhetoric, and aging.
 
Interested in learning more? Contact Dr. Monica Rodriguez, the certificate advisor, or explore the undergraduate catalog.
 
InclusiveEducation ChargeOn

08/06/2026

Congratulations to UCF Anthropology’s Dr. Lana Williams and Dr. Sandra Wheeler, on the publication of the third edition of Forensic Recovery of Human Remains: Archaeological Approaches!

Published by CRC Press, the newly updated edition provides a comprehensive guide to the search, recovery, documentation, and excavation of human remains in forensic contexts. The book introduces practical archaeological methods for processing scenes involving human remains while emphasizing careful documentation, evidence preservation, and the importance of archaeological context.

This third edition includes new case studies, expanded figures and tables, updated citations, and two new chapters addressing taphonomic modifications and advances in forensic archaeology practice.

Congratulations to Dr. Williams, Dr. Wheeler, and their co-authors John J. Schultz, James T. Pokines, and Tosha L. Dupras on this exciting publication!

We would also like to recognize UCF Anthropology alumna Dr. Brittany S. Walter, who wrote the foreword for this third edition. Dr. Walter earned her M.A. in Anthropology from UCF and is now a Forensic Anthropologist and Archaeologist in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Medical Examiner's Office—adding yet another Knight connection to this publication and highlighting the impact of UCF Anthropology beyond our campus.

Learn more about the book:
https://www.routledge.com/Forensic-Recovery-of-Human-Remains-Archaeological-Approaches/Schultz-Williams-Pokines-Dupras-Wheeler/p/book/9781138706729

08/05/2026

08/03/2026

This past weekend, we celebrated our graduating Ph.D. and M.A. students, undergraduate majors, minors, and certificate students! 🎓✨

The Department of Anthropology is incredibly proud of all you have accomplished, and we cannot wait to see where your next chapter takes you.

Congratulations, graduates—you did it! 💛🖤

07/24/2026

Congratulations to all of the College of Sciences staff recognized for their outstanding contributions!

We're especially proud to celebrate Matt Darby, Administrative Assistant III in the UCF Department of Anthropology, on receiving the ACE Award from the College of Sciences Staff Engagement Committee!

Matt's dedication, professionalism, and willingness to help wherever needed make a difference every single day. Whether he's supporting faculty, staff, or students, he approaches every challenge with a positive attitude, exceptional attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to our department's success.

We're grateful for everything Matt does behind the scenes to help our department thrive, and we're thrilled to see his hard work recognized.

Congratulations, Matt, and congratulations to all honorees!

07/23/2026

What can ancient burials tell us about how people lived?

In ANT 3169 – Life and Death in the Ancient Andes, you'll explore the stories preserved in human remains, mummies, and ancient burial sites to uncover how past peoples lived, adapted, and responded to disease, diet, migration, and social change.

👩‍🏫 Taught by Dr. J. Marla Toyne
🗓️ Mondays | 12:00–1:15 p.m.

📍 Course Highlights:
• Mixed Mode (3 credit hours)
• No textbook required
• Upper-level restricted elective for Anthropology majors
• Area Studies course

If you're fascinated by skeletons, mummies, and the science of reconstructing the human past, this course is for you.