The African American Studies Department was established in 1969, and remains one of a few programs with departmental status in the state of Ohio. A centerpiece of that legacy is our shared vision and philosophy with the National Council for Black Studies, which is to promote academic excellence and social responsibility in the areas of teaching, research, and service. We are a department that is committed to producing persons, to use the language of Dr. Nathan Hare, who are capable of solving problems in American (and global) society.
The faculty believe in preparing and mentoring all students to successfully complete their academic goals and objectives. Our mission is to contribute to an inclusive intellectual environment at Ohio University by developing and delivering an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary curriculum that advances the University's general education goals.
The African American Studies Department also offers an Honors program in African American Studies. See below for more information.