A University of New Mexico professor, Mala Htun, has been elected as a member of The American Academy of Arts & Sciences, joining a prestigious group that includes historical figures like Alexander Hamilton and modern-day leaders like Madeleine K. Albright. Htun expressed her excitement and gratitude, stating, “I am honored and delighted to be elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. It’s a thrill for me to earn this recognition. I’m excited to have the opportunity to engage with the Academy’s community of scientists, artists, and public intellectuals.”
The Academy, which elected its first members in 1781, announced its newest members on April 24, with Htun being among the 250 distinguished individuals recognized for their excellence. David Oxtoby, President of the Academy, highlighted the accomplishments of the new members, stating, “We honor these artists, scholars, scientists, and leaders in the public, non-profit, and private sectors for their accomplishments and for the curiosity, creativity, and courage required to reach new heights.”
Htun's election falls under the Class III Social and Behavioral Sciences category, alongside other notable figures like George Clooney and Tim Cook. Jennifer Malat, Dean of the UNM College of Arts & Sciences, praised Htun's achievement, stating, “This induction of Professor Htun to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences is well-deserved. We are proud that Professor Htun’s achievements have been recognized by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.”
Having been a professor at UNM since 2015 and holding degrees from Harvard and Stanford, Htun has a strong scholarly background. Jami Nelson-Nuñez, UNM Political Science Department Chair, commended Htun's dedication to promoting equal rights and expanding opportunities for minoritized groups, saying, “Dr. Htun has established a strong national and international scholarly reputation. She has dedicated her scholarship, teaching and service to understanding and improving institutional policies to promote equal rights and expand opportunities for minoritized groups.”
The induction ceremonies for new members, including Htun, will take place in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in September 2024.