Wyatt Exploration Program
Open your world with the Wyatt Exploration Program
Each year, faculty from the history program provide students with the opportunity to discover new cultures, broaden their perspectives, and gain a competitive edge in a globalized world. Immerse yourself in unique experiences that combine on-campus activities and a free, short-term travel study program to develop invaluable skills that will shape your future.
Every student is eligible, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to expand your academic and personal horizons through an unforgettable international adventure. We have taken students to Poland, Germany, Japan, the British Isles and many more far-away places. Nearly all travel costs of the Wyatt Exploration program are paid for by the University of Michigan-Flint.
On-Campus Events
A central part of the Wyatt Exploration Program is our on-campus events, including guest lectures, extracurricular activities, and sometimes coursework. We bring celebrated scholars from around the nation and world to our campus, offer experiences on or near campus and offer formal coursework that explores the theme chosen for that year.
Wyatt Travel Expedition
A History faculty member will lead a group of students on a short-term travel program that is the culmination of each year’s exploration program. The History Program will fully fund most student travel expenses, making the selection process competitive.
Eligibility*
To be eligible for the free travel study program, students must:
- Attend at least one Wyatt Exploration event and enroll in any history course (HIS prefix) during AY24-25.
- Possess a US passport by Dec. 1, 2024.
History majors, history minors, and historic preservation minors are automatically eligible.
*Students must confirm event attendance with a student ID. You must complete coursework to remain eligible.
Applications
Students apply after the final campus event. We will chart your participation and review your application. Only students who are selected receive a notification.
Campus Events
Check back in the fall for event dates, times and registration information
September 2024
Re-Evolution, the Cuban Dream with Cray Novick
Cray Novick is a documentary filmmaker based in Denver, CO. He first went to Cuba as a student in 2016 and has been going back ever since as a filmmaker, friend, and dreamer. His PBS docu-series, “Re-Evolution: The Cuban Dream.” has shown in the U.S., Cuba, and around the world. Contrary to popular belief, Cray can function with or without his favorite Cuban cafecito.
October 2024
Salsa Dancing Social
Although a popular Cuban dance, salsa is popular all over the world – even in Michigan. Join us to learn from a local Salsa dance artist and enjoy an evening of connecting with friends, students and community members.
November 2024
Arlene Diaz, Indiana University
Professor Diaz will be sharing details from her latest book project: “Espionage, Media Manipulation, and the Forging of the US Empire: A Backstage History of the Spanish-Cuban-American War.” Her research looks at previously untapped reports from secret agents to uncover key narratives that have not received attention in histories of the Spanish-Cuban-American War.
Wyatt Endowment
The generous bequest of Dr. Dorothea E. Wyatt makes the incredible opportunities in the History program possible – opportunities that are not available at much larger universities. A stalwart supporter of her university and her discipline, Dr. Wyatt made this extraordinary gift to further develop and improve the history program here at UM-Flint.
We encourage you to compare the types of opportunities we are able to offer at UM-Flint to other programs, from global engagement experiences to scholarships, so you can see the difference this bequest makes in the lives of our students and how we can help you achieve your goals.
About Dorthea Wyatt
Dr. Wyatt was one of the original sixteen faculty members of the Flint College of the University of Michigan when it was founded in 1956. She was the first chair of the Department of History. She was an unflagging advocate for the humanities and women’s issues. In 1989, UM-Flint recognized her dedication to the university and these issues by creating an award in her name for faculty and staff members who work to better the status of women on campus.
Dr. Wyatt was active in the local community and served a variety of organizations, including the American Association of University Women, the Zonta Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Genesee County Library Board. She retired as a Professor Emeritus in 1975.
The History program at the University of Michigan-Flint is proud to be the heir of that spirit and philosophy. We believe that the Wyatt Exploration Program and other opportunities provided by Dr. Wyatt’s generosity will be a fitting testament to the life of this fine teacher, scholar, and advocate.