The Center is proud to announce the election of our Associate Director, Dr. Maimouna Barro as the Vice- Chair of the Association of African Studies Programs (AASP). Delegates selected her at the organization’s annual meeting in Washington DC, March 29-April 1. The AASP, whose members include leaders of major African Studies programs and representatives from numerous other colleges and universities, is one of the most important organizations in our field. Their annual meetings provide a much-needed forum to discuss major national developments that impact African Studies. After serving a year as Vice-Chair, Dr. Barro will assume the position of chair in 2012-2013.