Welcoming New Department Chair Michael Pante

A Look Towards the Future

Michael Pante, Ph.D., is the new chair of the Department of Anthropology and Geography at Colorado State University, beginning Summer 2024. A faculty member since 2013, Pante is a paleoanthropologist and biological anthropologist who directs the department’s 3D Imaging and Analysis Lab and Zooarchaeology Lab. His research has been published in the Journal of Human Evolution, Nature, Scientific Reports, and other high-impact journals, and he has been interviewed by the Washington Post, Scientific American, and other leading science media about his work.

His Fall 2024 Chair’s note shares his research background and highlights his vision for the department and some of the important initiatives and opportunities he plans to tackle as chair.

Chair’s Note, Fall 2024

Dr. Michael Pante

Dear Friends,   

 

I am excited to greet you all as the new Chair of the Department of Anthropology and Geography as we kick off the 2024-25 academic year! In case we have not crossed paths, I am Dr. Michael Pante, a biological anthropologist in the department since 2013, and our most recent faculty member promoted to the rank of Full Professor.

I am a paleoanthropologist who studies the origin and evolution of human carnivory at the world-renowned heritage site, Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. My more recent work has also taken me to Europe to investigate evidence of human cannibalism in the archaeological record. This past summer, I returned to Olduvai with two CSU doctoral students whose research is focused on the behavioral and technological transition associated with the appearance of a new human ancestor in the region 1.6 million years ago. 

The start of my Chair term also marks the end of an era, as our previous Chair, Dr. Mica Glantz, returns to her role of Professor after 11 years leading the department. Dr. Glantz had many accomplishments in her time as Chair, including a new Ph.D program in Anthropology and an undergraduate B.S. degree in Geography, the first and only program in the College of Liberal Arts to receive the B.S. designation. Along with our entire department, I am grateful for everything Dr. Glantz achieved, and I am happy she will enjoy a well-deserved and overdue sabbatical this year!

As chair, I am looking forward to building on our department’s track record and reputation for exceptional research productivity and high-impact student learning experiences. I am especially interested in offering new and exciting undergraduate programs and investing in our already successful graduate programs to elevate our department’s standing among our peer institutions.  

 

My term coincides with a major transition for our department, as construction is underway on the new B-wing of the Andrew G. Clark Building. For the next few years, we are temporarily located in the General Services Building at 1251 Mason Street. We look forward to moving into our new classrooms and lab spaces once construction is complete and are thrilled that we will occupy highly trafficked areas in the new building increasing both our department’s visibility and footprint within the college.  

The Department of Anthropology and Geography will also reach its 50th anniversary next year presenting an exciting opportunity to celebrate a long history of academic and scholarly achievements. It is also a time to look towards the future and define a strategic plan to carry us through the next 50 years. We will be announcing events for our alumni, current and emerita faculty, and students to commemorate the occasion, so please stay tuned!    

I look forward to meeting many of you over the course of this year. Please feel free to drop by my office in Room 367 of the General Services Building or to reach out and say hello at michael.pante@colostate.edu. 

Thank you all for your prior and continued commitment to our department,  

Michael