Mark Jenkins

Mark Jenkins, critically acclaimed author and internationally recognized journalist, joined Wyoming Humanities as its inaugural Resident Scholar in July.

A contributing writer for National Geographic Magazine and former writer-in-residence at the University of Wyoming, Jenkins has brought a humanities perspective to geopolitics, the environment and adventure for numerous national and international publications — including The Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Virginia Quarterly Review, Reader’s Digest, Playboy, National Geographic, and Outside. Jenkins has been interviewed on Anderson Cooper 360, Good Morning America, CNN, PBS, BBC and NPR and his stories have been extensively anthologized. He is also the author of four books.

“I’ve had the great fortune of doing assignments around the world. Wyoming has trained me well in how to handle extremes,” said Jenkins. “I look forward to offering a global and scholarly perspective on Wyoming’s identity, sense of community, connection to land, persistence, and ability to manage change.”

Jenkins’ position is part of Wyoming Humanities’ recently announced initiative, Wyoming Crossroads. This initiative is intended to harness the power and creativity of Wyoming’s humanities and cultural arts network to help the state address the social and economic challenges posed by the dire downturn in Wyoming’s energy industry that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We need the public humanities in Wyoming now more than ever,” said Shannon Smith, CEO of Wyoming Humanities. “Mark will engage communities from one corner of the state to the other, continuing Wyoming Humanities’ dedication to leading the discussion on our state’s current geopolitical issues, diverse heritage, and deep traditions.”

Rev. Bernadine Craft, a former state senator from Rock Springs and chair of the Wyoming Humanities board of directors, said the organization “is preparing to help Wyoming have the grassroots conversations that we believe are necessary to build positive outcomes for our future.”

“We believe that the humanities and the arts can help us better understand our current situation through creative explorations of contemporary issues and discussions about the Wyoming we want,” Craft said. “A global explorer and engaging writer like Mark [Jenkins] will foster these important dialogues.”

Wyoming Humanities’ COO Shawn Reese said he thinks the cultural and creative sector is key to helping Wyoming bounce back after the economic impact of the downturn.

“Mark will help us explore ideas through statewide engagement and the art of storytelling,” he said. “Whether Mark is telling a story about his conversations with the King of Bhutan about the Gross Happiness Index or making connections between Namibian rock art and Wyoming petroglyphs, he helps us understand ourselves through the lens of others.”

Jenkins, who is married to former Powell resident Sue Ibarra, will continue his global adventures and national writing as the pandemic and his work at Wyoming Humanities allows.