February 23, 2004

By Francine Parker
Staff writer

As the University of Houston’s African American Studies Program (AAS) marks its 35th anniversary this year, its director hopes to build a nationally prominent department dedicated to academic excellence and community outreach.

“It’s my goal to offer African American studies as a major and a bachelor’s degree in the area. I also would like to expand the program into a department and develop a doctoral program in African American studies,” said James Conyers, AAS director. “With recommended and added resources, we can bring this vision to fruition.”

In just 18 months since his arrival on campus, Conyers has taken steps to advance his vision, presenting his case to faculty, staff, students, alumni and program supporters.

“A department of Africana studies would entail a number of significant firsts,” he continued. “It would be the first and only departmental unit of its kind in the Southwest and in the state of Texas. It also would provide University of Houston students with an unprecedented opportunity to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in this field of study.”

Conyers admits that realizing his dream will not be easy, but he says the program is moving in the right direction.

“One of our most important successes has been to significantly increase the number of students declaring minors in AAS, from 15 in 2000 to some 100 students in the 2002 academic year,” Conyers said. Other successes include adding 11 new AAS courses, increasing the total number of credit hours in AAS courses from nine to 33, he added.

Conyers and his staff also have made inroads in student support by enrolling 12 students it its monthlong study-abroad program at the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Coast and the University of Science and Technology in Kumase.

Another 12 students were among 500 who participated in the first National Model African Union held this past summer in Washington, D.C.

“Engaging students in AAS is absolutely necessary if we are to grow the program into a department,” Conyers said. He added that AAS plans to offer both opportunities to students again this year.

In addition to new student programs, Conyers is proudest of the Visiting Scholars Program and its new research initiatives, which include a new peer-reviewed academic journal, the Africana Studies Annual Review.

AAS also revived its Institute for African American Policy Research. Last summer, the institute brought together scholars from across the nation to discuss writing and interpreting Africana history on this continent.

John J. Antel, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and professor of economics, is impressed by AAS’ progress.

“I see a lot of positive movement in the African American Studies Program, especially in scholarship and community outreach,” Antel said. “Jim has a solid start in putting this program on the map.”