This article originally appeared on WJBC website.

CHICAGO- The Illinois Humanities Council added Karen Schmidt to its board of directors.

Schmidt serves as alderman for Ward 6 on the Bloomington City Council. She is also university librarian and professor at Illinois Wesleyan University.

The IHC added a total of five new members, making a total of 34 on the IHC board of directors. Also joining with Schmidt are Josh Andrews (Chicago), Elizabeth Cadwallder (Chicago), Virginia Gerst (Chicago) and Jane A. Hayes (Champaign).

“We are so pleased to add Josh, Betsy, Virginia, Jane, and Karen to our board of directors,” said Kristina A. Valaitis, IHC executive director. “They each bring a deep appreciation of the humanities, knowledge of Illinois, and individual creativity and expertise to the organization.”

The Illinois Humanities Council creates and funds programs and organizations that promote involvement in and an understanding of humanities in the state.

Schmidt will serve a three-year term and will be eligible for two more terms.