The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump’s appointment of Armand DeKeyser, executive director of the Alabama Humanities Foundation, to the National Council on the Humanities. DeKeyser was one of 16 humanities scholars and advocates from across the country named to the 26-member advisory board.
National Endowment for the Humanities Chairman Jon Parrish Peede welcomed the new members, noting they bring expertise in cultural leadership, government, philanthropy and fields ranging from archaeology and literature to history and political science.
The council meets three times a year to review grant applications and advise the chairman on humanities policy. DeKeyser will serve an unexpired term ending Jan. 26, 2020.
“I am humbled by this appointment,” DeKeyser said. “To represent our state and the humanities on such a distinguished board is truly an honor and a privilege.”
A Mobile native with deep roots
DeKeyser is a native of Mobile and a graduate of Auburn University. After years working in Washington, D.C. – most notably as chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions – he returned to Alabama.
He has led the Alabama Humanities Foundation since 2012. The Birmingham-based organization, the state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, supports programs that promote learning and an appreciation of Alabama’s people, communities and cultures. Before leading the foundation, DeKeyser spent more than three decades in government and private business and served 28 years as an active and reserve Army officer.