The African-American studies program at Mississippi State University has established a new scholar-in-residence program. The program allows for professionals from all over the country to speak and work alongside students and faculty on campus for a one-week period.
The scholar-in-residence program is an enhancement to the curriculum, which already allows students to graduate with a minor in African-American studies.
African-American studies director Stephen Middleton said this new program will bring well-known professionals to discuss their careers and past achievements.
“The scholar-in-residence program is set up to bring faculty and professionals who are prominent in their fields to MSU where they can share their experience,” Middleton said. “We expect our scholars to enrich our faculty and our students in the development of the program.”
As one of the newest programs on campus, African-American studies will use the scholar-in-residence series as a way to bring in faculty without granting tenure. Scholars will be able to return to campus for longer periods of time without being contractually bound.
Temple University professor Molefi Kete Asante will be the first scholar in the program. Asante helped to create the first doctoral program available for African-American studies in the nation. Asante will be on campus Nov. 3-7 working alongside faculty and speaking to students.
Entering its second year at MSU, the African-American studies program now has 11 students who have formally declared it as a minor. The actual number of program participants is much higher, but the university does not require students to declare a minor.
Through the help of former university President Robert “Doc” Foglesong and several College of Arts and Sciences leaders, the program was established in the fall of 2007.
History department head Alan Marcus said the program is a way for students to learn not only about African-Americans, but also cultures around the world.
“It’s those people not majoring in history – the vast majority of the university – who would be extremely well-served by taking African-American studies classes and even minoring in African-American studies,” Marcus said.
“This knowledge would not only explain to them why certain things [are] as they are, but also help them appreciate the rich, diverse tapestry of the complicated American experience.
Junior industrial technology major Ben McGee said he sees great importance in the further development of the African-American studies program at the university.
“The program is important for the simple fact that African Americans have made history for many years,” McGee said.
Marcus said the program could help students become more understanding.
“The world and America are changing,” Marcus said. “Understanding was, is and will be at a premium.”