Ali Mazrui, Albert Schweitzer professor in the humanities
at Binghamton University-State University of New York,
has been named the 2008-09 M. Thelma McAndless Distinguished
Professor at Eastern Michigan University. Mazrui will join
the EMU Department of African American Studies in the College
of Arts & Sciences for his term as the McAndless Scholar
in winter 2009.
"Dr. Mazrui's presence will help educate all of us about
Africa and the influence of Africa on the world," said
Thomas Venner, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
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Mazrui |
While at EMU, Mazrui's schedule will include a public
lecture; a seminar for faculty and graduate students; and
an informal evening with students and faculty to discuss
his PBS television series, "The Africans: A Triple Heritage."
He also will guest lecture in a number of graduate and
undergraduate classes within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Mazrui is a widely published scholar and recipient of
several major awards, including the Medal of Grand Companion
of Oliver Tambo, bestowed upon him by President Thabo Mbeki
of South Africa in 2007. He also was awarded the Living
Legend Award from the Economic Community of West African
States and the Pan African Communication Agency.
He currently serves as director of the Institute of Global
Cultural Studies at Binghamton University.
The M. Thelma McAndless endowed chair program brings distinguished
artists and scholars in the humanities to EMU. Previous
recipients have included actor Ben Vereen, Marshall Poe,
founder and editor of Memory Archive: The Encyclopedia
of Memories; Gillian Eaton, a director and actor who specializes
in Shakespeare; and graphic novelist Scott McCloud.
