Department Renamed to Encompass African American and Africana Studies

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences’ Department of African American Studies has changed its name to the Department of African American and Africana Studies (AAAS) in recognition of its broadened mission.

“The department’s new name better reflects the research interests of the faculty, and, very importantly, the diversity of Black students at UMD,” said Professor Sangeetha Madhavan, chair of AAAS. “I am excited because we have been considering this for a long time, and the name captures both the storied history of the department, as well as new areas of research. This change also brings us in line with other African American/Africana studies departments around the country.”

The department promotes research, scholarship and teaching on a range of issues, including gun violence, race and voting behavior, race and immigration, Black families and children’s development, and the sociology of Africa, to name just a few, along with research rooted in the humanities.

Published on Thu, Jan 25, 2024 - 1:08PM