UNC Asheville Philosophy Professor Gordon A. Wilson was recently selected by Georgetown University's Philosophy Department to lead "The Workshop on Latin Paleography and Critical Editing." The prestigious workshop, which attracts scholars from around the world, will be held July 9-August 3 at Georgetown University.

Wilson, who holds UNC Asheville's National Endowment for the Humanities Professorship, is an internationally known medieval philosophy expert. He can read six languages as well as Latin shorthand, which was used by scribes during the Middle Ages to quickly copy texts. Wilson serves as general coordinator of "Henrici de Gandavo Opera omnia," a 45-volume book series on the scholarly works of the noted Belgium philosopher Henry of Ghent. A native of New Orleans, Wilson holds a bachelor's degree from Loyola University of the South and master's and doctorate degrees in philosophy from Tulane. He joined the UNC Asheville faculty in 1997.

Wilson said that although "The Workshop on Latin Paleography and Critical Editing" is designed for new professors and graduate students, UNC Asheville undergraduates will be well represented.

Senior classics major Megan Miller was among just 12 participants selected to attend the conference from more than 45 international applicants. She will attend a host of sessions during the four-week workshop, which is focused on the study and scholarly interpretation of Medieval Latin texts. Miller was the only undergraduate selected to attend the workshop.

Jennifer Gray, a junior philosophy major, was chosen by the workshop committee to present her original research on Henry of Ghent. Gray studied photo duplicates of rare European manuscripts. She will be the youngest presenter at the conference.

Wilson, who was not involved in the selection of the UNC Asheville students, is thrilled for them both.

"The selection of two of our undergraduates to participate in the workshop shows the depth and quality of their work," said Wilson. "I am proud of both of them and know this will lead to great opportunities in graduate school and beyond."

In fact, the Gray and Miller have already drawn national attention for their participation in the workshop. A representative from the Council of Undergraduate Research headquarters in Washington, D.C. will attend the workshop to meet with the students and to attend Gray's lecture.