The African Studies Institute at the University of Oklahoma is an emerging, interdisciplinary center dedicated to research and the study of Africa, as well as building a community of those interested in Africa in the state of Oklahoma.
The Africa Studies Institute is a part of vibrant and growing resources in Middle East and North Africa studies at the University of Oklahoma. For more information on these resources and programs, visit our new MENA at OU page.
International Conference on The Arts and The Advancement of Humanity 2025
Conference Venue: Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria
Date: July 7-11, 2025
The purpose of this year’s conference is to provide a platform for intellectual discourse, promotion of cultural and social impact, encourage policy and educational contributions, and stimulate innovation and future directions particularly regarding emerging trends such as digital humanities, AI in translation, and the intersection of religion and science, all to ensure that the Arts remain at the forefront of contemporary discourse.
African Studies Institute Presents: An African Film Showcase
Peace-Work-Fatherland by Diane Pamen
The Women in My Life by Abba Diallo
Friday, April 18th, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Gaylord Auditorium
The African Studies Institute invites you to their African Film Showcase where we will spotlight films from two independent student storytellers.
Peace-Work-Fatherland by Diane Pamen
The Women in My Life by Abba Diallo
The films will be followed by a Q&A discussion with the storytellers, facilitated Dr. Rita Keresztesi.
Check back in fall 2025 for new announcements and events.
Video of "Drinking as a Site of Consumptive Political Fantasying: Alcohol, Conflict, & Development in Ethiopia," with Christina Tekie Collins, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Indiana University, March 23, 2023.
Video of "Military Coups and Human Rights in Africa," with Sètondji Roland Adjovi, International Law Specialist, March 8, 2022.
Video of "Precolonial Legacies in Contemporary Public Goods Delivery: Evidence from Decentralized West Africa" with Martha Wilfahrt, February 24, 2022.
Natalie Letsa
Director, African Studies Institute
Wick Cary Asst. Professor of Political Economy, Dept. of International & Area Studies
Lewis Eliot
Executive Committee, African Studies Institute
Assistant Professor, Department of History
lewis.eliot@ou.edu
Bala Saho
Executive Committee, African Studies Institute
Associate Professor, Department of History
saho1@ou.edu
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Zermarie Deacon | Associate Professor, Department of Human Relations | zermarie@ou.edu |
| Kalenda Eaton | Associate Professor, Clara Luper Department of African & African-American Studies | k.eaton1@ou.edu |
| Lewis Eliot | Associate Professor, Department of History | lewis.eliot@ou.edu |
| Thomas R. Fenn | Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology | thomas.fenn@ou.edu |
| Greg A. Graham | Associate Professor, Clara Luper Department of African & African-American Studies | greggraham@ou.edu |
| John C. Harris | Associate Professor, Division of Regional and City Planning, Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture | johncharris@ou.edu |
| Daniel Mains | Associate Professor of Anthropology and African Studies, Honors College | dcmains@ou.edu |
| Claire Nicholas | Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology | cbnicholas@ou.edu |
| Moses Olayemi | Assistant Professor, Gallogly College of Engineering | molayemi@ou.edu |
| James Olufowote | Associate Professor, Department of Communication | olu@ou.edu |
| Andreana Prichard | Associate Professor of African History, Honors College Affiliate Faculty, Departments of History and International & Area Studies | aprichard@ou.edu |
| Bala Saho | Associate Professor, Department of History | saho1@ou.edu |
| Michael J. Soreghan | James Roy Maxey Chair and Associate Professor of Geosciences, Mewbourne College of Earth & Energy School of Geosciences | msoreg@ou.edu |
The Ambassador Edward J. Perkins Scholarship
The Ambassador Edward J. Perkins Scholarship was created to assist University of Oklahoma students to pursue studies in Africa and other strategic areas. Students from overseas may also be supported to come to the University of Oklahoma for study (see details regarding admissions for international students). This fund was established in the memory of the late Marjorie Schenfeld Stewart.
The Millie Schafer Sitzman Award
The Millie Schafer Sitzman Award was created to assist University of Oklahoma students to pursue studies in Africa.
The David L. Boren College of International Studies Board of Visitors Scholarship
The Board of Visitors Study Abroad Scholarship was created out of the initiative and generosity of advisors to, and constituents of, the David L. Boren College of International Studies at The University of Oklahoma. The scholarship is unique in that it emphasizes the value of study abroad experiences in destinations that are typically underrepresented.
