The University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts has named Dr. Renée Jørgensen as the Max Mendel Shaye Professor of Public Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. This endowed professorship was established through a generous gift from Bob Shaye, founder of New Line Cinema and University of Michigan alum, in honor of his father, Max Mendel Shaye. Jørgensen will offer a compelling lecture and discussion on October 24 titled “Governing Infrastructures” as part of the LSA Endowed Lecture Series.

The Max Mendel Shaye Professorship was created in 2019 to recognize and advance public-facing scholarship in philosophy, politics, economics, and public policy, especially regarding critical contemporary issues. Professor Elizabeth Anderson served as the first Shaye Professor. Jørgensen will focus on matters such as privacy protection in the age of social media and big data, use of AI in governance, and the pursuit of justice, democracy, and ethical conduct in political affairs.

“I am deeply honored to serve in this role and build on the legacy of distinguished scholarship and public engagement,” said Jørgensen. “The opportunity to address urgent challenges in the ethics of new technology reflects the best of the university’s mission. I am grateful for this support and excited to contribute to the conversations that will shape our shared future.”

“The tradition of named professorships at the University of Michigan dates back more than 125 years, and over time, these honors have played a vital role in advancing our academic mission by amplifying the impact of faculty research and teaching,” said Rosario Ceballo, dean of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan. “Professor Jørgensen’s scholarship in the field of moral and political philosophy poses critical questions about distributive justice and the costs of making mistakes with policies and law. Her highly original, innovative work makes her an exceptional scholar to hold the distinguished Max Mendel Shaye Professorship.”

A U-M alum (B.B.A. 1960), Bob Shaye is the founder of one of Hollywood’s leading film production studios, New Line Cinema. Under his leadership, New Line was responsible for producing and/or distributing close to 500 feature films, including such highly successful classics as the A Nightmare on Elm Street series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Seven, Elf, Wedding Crashers, Hairspray, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The gift is in honor of Shaye’s father, the late Max Mendel Shaye, and Bob Shaye’s commitment to pushing philosophy beyond the realms of academia.

“My father’s wisdom, warmth, and optimism touched the lives of everyone who knew him, family, friends, and community,” said Shaye. “In dedicating this professorship in his name, I hope to foster scholarship that reflects his commitment to understanding complex problems and promoting justice, compassion, and thoughtful leadership.”

Visit the Department of Philosophy website to learn more about Professor Jørgensen and the Max Mendel Shaye Professor of Public Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Endowed Professorship Lecture on October 24.

 

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