Dr Barro Elected Chair of U.S. Association of African Studies Programs

The Center is proud to announce that our Interim Director (2011-2012), Dr. Maimouna Barro, has now taken on the position of Chair of the Association of African Studies Programs (AASP), one of the most important organizations in our field. She will assume the position in 2012-2013.  She attended the Organization’s 2012 meeting in Washington DC, March 28-April 30 and presented at a panel discussion on a timely and critical topic: “Surviving Title VI Budget Cuts.” The meeting was attended by leaders from major African Studies programs and representatives from numerous other colleges and universities. As in previous years, the spring 2012 meeting provided a much-needed forum to discuss major national developments that impact African Studies. We take this opportunity to thank Dr. Judith Byfield for her strong commitment and leadership throughout the years the AASP Secretariat was housed at Cornell University. Bridgewater University is now the new home of the organization’s Secretariat. The AASP greatly appreciates the excellent work of past serving members and welcomes its new ones.

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From left to right: Dr. Judith Byfield, Outgoing Treasurer (Cornell University); Dr. Louise Badiane, Incoming Treasurer (Bridgewater State University); Dr. Amadou Fofana, Outgoing Chair (Williamette University); Dr. Maimouna Barro, Incoming Chair (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign); Dr. Ikem S. Okoye, Incoming Vice-Chair (University of Delaware).