JOHNSON CITY (Aug. 4, 2020) – The Africana Studies Program at East Tennessee State University is under new leadership. Dr. Daryl A. Carter, professor of history, has been named interim director of the program effective Aug. 1 by Interim Provost Dr. Wilsie Bishop and Dr. Gordon Anderson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
“I am humbled by this opportunity and I look forward to working with students, faculty and staff from across the university to make Africana Studies a more stellar program,” Carter said. “For many years, I have been deeply involved in teaching and mentoring students in the African Studies minor. Africana Studies will become an even more dynamic and inclusive program, appealing to a broad cross-section of individuals.”
Carter says his top priorities as interim director include revising the curriculum; providing greater outreach to students; developing stronger relationships with cultural resources in the community; finding new, innovative ways to engage others from across the university to deliver high-quality programming; and preparing students for an increasingly competitive and diverse world.
Carter earned his B.S. in political science and M.A. in history from ETSU and his Ph.D. in history from the University of Memphis. He has served on the faculty of the ETSU Department of History since 2008 and was promoted to full professor on Aug. 1.
Carter is the author of the critically acclaimed book “Brother Bill: President Clinton and the Politics of Race and Class,” and is well known for his service to the university and the community.
He is taking on the role of interim director of Africana Studies following the retirement of history professor Dr. Dorothy Drinkard-Hawkshawe, who founded and led the program since its inception.
“I am delighted that Dr. Carter has accepted the position of interim director of the Africana Studies Program,” Anderson said. “This is a vital time for Africana Studies, and I know that Dr. Carter has the vision and skills to grow and develop this program that will benefit all students at ETSU.”