Dr. Gene Plunka, Department of English Humanities The winner of the award in the humanities is Dr. Gene Plunka, Department of English Dr. Plunka, who earned his PhD in Comparative Literature in 1978 at the University of Maryland , has been at the University of Memphis for nearly 22 years. During this time he has edited one book and been the sole author of five other books—most recently The Plays of Beth Hensley: A Critical Study . He is already at work on his seventh book. In addition, he has published 38 refereed articles and book chapters, as well as numerous reviews. His scholarship in the area of twentieth century French and American drama has been characterized as “insightful and convincing,” “highly original,” “innovative,” “indispensable,” and “substantial and important.” Congratulations, Dr. Plunka .