HWS News
7 July 2026 • Alums • Faculty Rodríguez-Mansilla Named 2026-27 Kinghorn Global Fellow
Spanish, Latin American and Bilingual Studies professor recognized for advancing global citizenship through scholarship, teaching and community engagement.
Professor of Spanish, Latin American and Bilingual Studies Fernando Rodríguez-Mansilla has been named Hobart and William Smith's 2026-27 Kinghorn Global Fellow, recognizing his commitment to fostering global citizenship through internationally recognized scholarship, immersive learning experiences and meaningful engagement with communities on and off campus.
An internationally respected scholar of Hispanic literature and culture, Rodríguez-Mansilla has dedicated his career to helping students understand the histories, traditions and contemporary realities of the Spanish-speaking world. Whether leading study abroad programs in Spain, Ecuador and Peru, mentoring independent research projects or creating new opportunities for intercultural dialogue, he encourages students to think critically across borders and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives.
"His distinguished record as a scholar, teacher and global citizen makes him an exemplary candidate for this honor," says Professor of Spanish, Latin American and Bilingual Studies Carolina Travalia. "He fosters intercultural understanding, encouraging students to engage thoughtfully with diverse societies and viewpoints."
Originally from Peru, Rodríguez-Mansilla is an internationally recognized expert on Spain's Golden Age literature and the cultural connections between Spain and Latin America. He has authored and edited numerous books, published extensively in leading scholarly journals and serves as editor-in-chief of Calíope, one of the premier journals dedicated to Renaissance and Baroque Hispanic poetry.
His scholarship informs a dynamic teaching style that bridges classic literature with contemporary culture. Courses such as “Hispanic Media” and “Animals in the Hispanic World” introduce students to subjects ranging from Netflix series and popular music to literary representations of animals, helping students explore the richness and diversity of the Hispanic world.
"Fernando is an embodiment of the global citizenship that animates HWS and serves as an example to our students," says Professor of French, Francophone, and Italian Studies Courtney Wells. "He demonstrates our interconnectedness with cultures from around the world and makes this campus community richer for being part of it."
Rodríguez-Mansilla's commitment to global learning extends beyond the classroom. He founded HWS’ chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the national collegiate Hispanic honor society, and regularly mentors Honors students and independent researchers. Many of his former students have gone on to pursue graduate study, research and professional opportunities abroad.
Among them is Alison Posey '15, now an assistant professor of foreign languages at Transylvania University.
"Fernando is an exceptional educator who pushes his students to dream big," Posey says. "His energetic and supportive mentorship has been integral to my successful career as an international researcher and educator."
Rodríguez-Mansilla also works closely with Geneva's Spanish-speaking community through the Geneva 2030 initiative, supporting educational programming, translating materials and creating opportunities for HWS students to engage with local families through cultural celebrations and service.
Professor of Spanish, Latin American and Bilingual Studies May Farnsworth says those experiences are characteristic of Rodríguez-Mansilla's approach to education.
"He is an excellent teacher who clearly shapes students into global citizens by teaching Spanish and Hispanic language and culture," Farnsworth says.
Established through the generosity of William H. Kinghorn P'88, L.H.D. '11, the Kinghorn Global Fellowship recognizes faculty members whose work advances international understanding and global citizenship. Each Kinghorn Fellow receives a $5,000 stipend and presents a campus lecture during the academic year, inviting the community to engage with ideas and experiences that deepen global awareness. The date of Rodríguez-Mansilla’s talk will be announced this fall.
