Mary Floyd-Wilson (FFP ’04, ALP ’10) Receives Johnson Prize for Distinguished Achievement
November 18, 2024 | Laney
Mary Floyd-Wilson (FFP ’04, ALP ’10), professor of English and a nationally recognized scholar of early modern English literature, has been named the 2024-2025 recipient of the George H. Johnson Prize for Distinguished Achievement by an IAH Fellow.
The award, given biennially by the Institute for the Arts and Humanities, recognizes Floyd-Wilson’s distinguished scholarship, her deep commitment to the humanities, and her significant impact on both the academic community and the broader public.
Floyd-Wilson has long been a member of the IAH community. She participated in the Faculty Fellowship Program in 2004 and the Tyson Academic Leadership Program in 2010. Her work within these programs, alongside her continued engagement with the Institute, has allowed her to collaborate across disciplines, fostering intellectual connections and mentorship opportunities that have significantly shaped her career.
“I’m really touched to receive this award. The Institute of Arts and Humanities had a formative effect on me when I was a new faculty member over twenty years ago—not only for the scholarly support it provided but also for its lasting impact on my sense of community at UNC,” said Floyd-Wilson. “It’s a huge honor to be recognized in this way, and I’m extremely grateful.”
With a focus on Renaissance literature, Floyd-Wilson’s research has earned widespread acclaim, including multiple book publications and numerous articles that have shaped the field of early modern studies. She is also well known for her innovative teaching, fostering a supportive environment for students and mentoring the next generation of scholars.
Floyd-Wilson’s work explores how early modern authors grappled with ideas of race and difference, the fluid boundaries between science and magic, and changing conceptions of contagion, among other topics. One nomination letter cited her as a key leader in the university and the humanities. “She has excelled as a leader within the University, she has gained national status as a scholar, and she has represented the humanities to public audiences far beyond the academic community,” the nominator wrote.
The Johnson Prize, named in honor of George H. Johnson, one of the Institute’s earliest supporters, also includes a $5,000 award. As part of the recognition, Floyd-Wilson will deliver a public lecture in the spring of 2025, sharing insights from her research and career with the university community.
Floyd-Wilson joins a distinguished list of previous recipients, including Kenneth Janken, Elizabeth Olson, and Trudier Harris. The award will be formally presented in a ceremony in March.
By Laney Crawley
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