Allison Young Awarded 2025 LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award
Allison Young, assistant professor of art history, has been honored with the 2025 LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award. This distinguished recognition celebrates Young’s exceptional contributions to the field of art history and acknowledges her innovative research.
A Scholar of Distinction
Dr. Allison Young’s research spans a wide array of topics within the discipline of art history, with a particular focus on the intersections of visual culture, history, and social movements. Throughout her career, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional art history, seeking to understand the ways in which art functions within and reflects the broader contexts of race, gender, politics, and identity. Her scholarship has been widely praised for its depth, rigor, and interdisciplinary approach, making her one of the leading scholars in her field.
Young is assistant professor of contemporary art history at LSU, and an affiliate faculty member in the department of African and African American Studies (AAAS) at LSU. A specialist in postcolonial and contemporary art of the Global South, her scholarship centers primarily on African and African-Diasporic artists and art histories, with focus on questions surrounding migration, transnationalism, and political engagement in contemporary art. She has a book project on the work of South African artist Gavin Jantjes, and is engaged in research on the intersection of contemporary art, environmentalism, and social justice in Louisiana. She has published scholarly articles on contemporary artists, and has also contributed writing to numerous exhibition catalogues and books.
Her research projects often examine works of art in ways that go beyond the traditional aesthetic analysis, considering how they shape, and are shaped by, their cultural and political environments. Her recent projects have explored the role of art in social justice movements, and she is particularly known for her investigations into the ways that artists engage with issues of race and representation.
The LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award
The LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award is given to faculty members who are in the early stages of their careers but have already demonstrated exceptional promise and achievement in their research. This award not only honors Young’s accomplishments but also recognizes her potential for future contributions to the field. The accolade celebrates the work of faculty members who are shaping the future of their disciplines and bringing fresh insights to their areas of expertise.
As part of the award, Young will receive a monetary prize and will be recognized during the LSU Alumni Association’s annual Faculty Awards ceremony. The award provides support for Young’s ongoing research initiatives and underscores the LSU Alumni Association’s commitment to advancing the intellectual excellence of the university’s faculty.
In addition to her research achievements, Young is also recognized for her dedication to teaching and mentorship. At LSU, she has worked to inspire and guide the next generation of art historians, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to think critically about the role of art in society.
A Bright Future Ahead
“The LSU Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award is a testament to the outstanding work that Professor Young has already accomplished in her academic career,” said Rod Parker, interim Dean of the LSU College of Art & Design and director of the School of Art. “As she continues to make meaningful contributions to the field of art history, there is no doubt that her work will continue to inspire and influence scholars and students alike. This award not only recognizes her past achievements, but also highlights the bright future that lies ahead for this dynamic researcher.”
Young’s art history research not only enriches the field but also plays a crucial role in promoting a more inclusive and socially conscious understanding of art. As LSU celebrates her success, Young’s contributions will continue to shape the future of art history for years to come.
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