Professor Steve Folmar: 34 Years of anthropology and discovery

As an undergraduate at Case Western Reserve University, Professor Steve Folmar initially envisioned a career as a chemist, surrounded by beakers and lab equipment. However, a single course taught by an eccentric anthropology professor sparked a curiosity about the world that has lasted a lifetime.

Over his 34-year tenure at Wake Forest, Folmar has embraced the idea that anthropology presents something brand new every single day. For him, the heart of this work has always been the students. Whether in the classroom in Winston-Salem or on international research trips to Nepal, Italy, and Japan, Folmar has prioritized the personal connections formed through shared learning and experiences.