The Humanities Institute at Tri-State University was founded in 1991 to provide arts and humanities experiences beyond the normal curricula offerings for campus and community. Its permanent holdings reside in the Wells Gallery (Charles and Nancy Taylor Hall of Humanities) and consist of a collection of primarily 17th- and 18-century engravings, period reproduction furniture, sculpture, and books, as well as the Shambaugh lusterware collection. In addition, the Humanities Institute administers a number of endowed awards (including the Jannen Rennaissance Awards) and offers Humanities Honors Seminars. It also engages in programming, including its much-heralded Cinema Sampler and a joint-benefit series with Northeast Indiana Public Radio, NIPR at TSU. On a biennial basis, the Humanities Institute provides leadership in organizing Steuben READ Express, a community reading project.

Board Members
Ms. Theresa Hornbacher, professor of dance, IPFW
Dr. Dennis Petrie, professor of English, TSU
Dr. Jeanine Samuelson, adjunct professor of German, TSU
Dr. Tom Tierney, professor of English, TSU
Dr. Robert Whelchel, professor of electrical engineering, TSU