Staff Profiles

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Rosemary Cook
Assistant Director, Academic Affairs

What do you like most about your job?

Academic Affairs has a window into the research and growth that is happening in each department that I wouldn't otherwise see. I like the variety of tasks, people, and subject matter that this position allows me to interact with; we're never bored! I'm also a process-oriented person, so it is satisfying to participate in both the micro- and macro- operations that occur throughout the division and see the results of long-term efforts.

What was the last good book you read?

Two novels I read recently both were set in locations that really made an impression: "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson is a worthwhile read, especially while you're in Hyde Park! It details the simultaneous stories of the construction of the 1893 World's Fair right here on Midway Plaisance and the crimes committed by H.H. Holmes in his "Murder Castle" in Englewood. As a mystery and architecture enthusiast, it was tailor-made for me, and so well written it's hard to remember it's non-fiction! Secondly, "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck. A favorite author of mine, his writings about Salinas and close-knit families always make me nostalgic for where I grew up in Northern California.

You might work with me if …

...you have questions about divisional or University policies, are conducting a search for an academic position, are recommending an appointment for a visitor or new hire, are completing a review, or are undergoing personnel processes such as promotion, retirement, or leave.

If you could live anywhere, where would you choose? 

Wherever I live I hope I’m always near a Broadway theater, an airport, a baseball stadium, and a coastline. Chicago checks all the boxes! Recent favorites: Moulin Rouge!, MDW to OAK, White Sox, Promontory Point.

More than 100 staff members work in the Division of the Humanities. We’ll introduce you to our staff in this continuing series.

Allison Muscolino
Financial and Academic Affairs Administrator
Art History

What do you like most about your job?

Everything is new! I started in late March after 13 years at my last organization. It’s been fun, challenging, stimulating, I am settling into a different routine, work culture, and community. I’m enjoying stepping into processes wide-eyed and curious, with opportunities for creating new systems to support our department community.

What was the last good book you read?

With an almost one year old, I haven’t finished a good book in quite some time. However, I’m currently working on Jenny Odell’s How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy. I’m late to the party, as the book was published in 2019. I’m finding it a fascinating read in our post-Covid moment. Odell advocates for an intentional and radical “opting out” of the virtual world through greater attention to one’s physical environment. She also notes the privilege necessary to make those choices. These ideas have been top-of-mind for me and many others throughout the pandemic, and it’s interesting seeing which cultural shifts we’ll carry forward and which we’re already leaving behind.

You might work with me if …

You have questions related to department funding, hiring, appointments, grant-funded projects, and cross-departmental collaboration.

What is a place you like to visit on the UChicago Hyde Park campus, and why?

I wandered into Bond Chapel early one morning during my first week on the job. I’d been admiring the completely romantic, Secret-Garden-like exterior of the building for months and now finally had interior access with my new ID (perks!). The color, texture, and light in there are so beautiful. In my last job, I designed public museum programs focused on art and meditation. My morning encounter in Bond inspired me to think about ways to do something similar here on campus. I’m always excited to see and talk about art and architecture with others, so reach out and we’ll explore together!