Kenn Watt works to help researchers identify opportunities
Kenn Watt, assistant director for research, arts and humanities, revels in his role as a father so in 2023 it wasn’t a question if, but when, he would move to Ohio to be closer to his children.
With a multi-faceted academic and professional background, Watt was a perfect fit to join the college’s dean’s office. His focus at CWRU is on advancing research, scholarly works and creative endeavors of our arts and humanities faculty, and in identifying and implementing strategies to capitalize on new funding opportunities.
Watt recently sat down with us to talk about his career and why he likes being a part of the college community
Why did you choose CWRU?
When I was planning a move to Ohio to be near my children, I saw this job. It combined my love of research and academia with the chance to work with great faculty across many fields. It’s just a great fit and the leadership team is wise, collegial and dedicated to making the university a great place to work.
What did you do prior to joining CWRU?
I got a PhD in theatre and performance from The City University of New York Graduate Center. I was a lecturer at the University of New Mexico and also a program and development officer for the New Mexico State Humanities Council.
My last year-and-a-half prior to coming to CWRU, I was living in Anchorage, Alaska, where I wrote grants for a Native Alaskan tribe and taught acting and music to students at University of Alaska.
What do you like most about your role?
I like the people that I work with and like to learn about the varied types of research going on here.
I enjoy helping the college’s researchers identify foundation opportunities that might be overlooked in a search. I like to meet with faculty, hear about their research ideas and design a customized search using a grants database called Grant Station to find local, regional and national opportunities.
This is especially timely now, given the drastic changes in the funding ecosphere and rapidly shifting information about the future of federal grantmaking. Faculty should reach out if I can be of assistance!
What do you look forward to in your professional career?
I hope to continue to balance creative work, research and research administration. I just completed a novel titled Desiree’s Wedding that is available digitally on Apple Books and through Amazon. A hardcover version is being prepared.
I am most interested in contemporary performance of a participatory nature – audience involvement and co-creation.
You mention that you moved to Ohio to be closer to your children.
Yes, my life and heart are my twin children, Jack and Stella. They live in Columbus and are the very best thing in my life.