2024 Grady Ballenger Lecture Series — Judith Bense
Date: April 16
Speaker:
Dr. Judith Bense
President Emeritus and Professor of Anthropology
University of West Florida
Topic:
Human Curiosity: An Unstoppable Force
Lecture Description
Curiosity is the result of human intelligence that has and continues to drive research of all kinds. Our curiosity and problem-solving ability have resulted in remarkable advances in all areas of human endeavor such as technology, science, engineering, art, and music. This illustrated lecture will highlight the development of human intelligence and some remarkable problem-solving episodes that propelled human culture to what it is today and the challenges facing us in the near future.
About the Speaker
Dr. Judith Bense is President Emeritus and Professor of Anthropology/Archaeology at the University of West Florida. She joined UWF in 1980 and built an Anthropology/Archaeology program from the ground up. Today the program is recognized as one of the leading programs in Florida and the United States, known for its active research in Florida archaeology and its public outreach efforts.
Bense has held numerous leadership roles in archaeology and helped guide the program toward historical archaeology and shipwreck research. In 2004, she helped pass legislation and secure funding for the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), which operates eight regional public archaeology centers throughout Florida.
She served as interim president of UWF in 2008, was appointed president in 2010, and served through 2016. During her presidency, enrollment increased by 30%, six new buildings were constructed, university visibility expanded significantly, athletic teams won four national championships, and the football program was established.
As the first female president of the University of West Florida, she continues to inspire women in leadership and academia.
Bense was inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 2019, becoming the first woman from Northwest Florida to receive the honor. She has received numerous awards including the Evelyn Fortune Bartlett Award, the J.C. Harrington Medal, and the Senator Bob Williams Award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Archaeology. She was also inducted into the Order of Isabella the Catholic by the King of Spain for advancing understanding of Spain’s contribution to the Americas.
Her most recent book, On the Edge of the Spanish Empire: The West Florida Presidio Era 1698–1763 (2021), synthesizes nearly forty years of research on Spanish presidios in West Florida.
She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Florida Historical Commission, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Florida Public Archaeology Network, and a founding board member of the Center for Excellence in Local Government. She is also active in several civic and service organizations and helps manage her family’s hay farm in Bay County.