It is my great pleasure to announce that Sinfree Makoni – Professor of African Studies and Applied Linguistics, and Interim Director of the African Studies Program – has accepted my offer of appointment as African Studies Director. His appointment is scheduled to begin July 1, 2022. An internationally recognized expert in language policy and planning, and language and health, decoloniality and Southern Epistemologies. In addition to his international expertise, he holds several honorary appointments in South Africa. Sinfree has done an excellent job leading the program during its current interim period. Needless to say, I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new permanent role.

In the meantime, I want to thank you all for your participation in this director search process, as well as publicly express my gratitude for the hard work and service of the search committee members: Eric Plutzer (who graciously assumed the duties of chair), Clemente Abrokwaa, Kidane Mengisteab, Michelle Sikes, and Amy Allen, our college’s Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Advancement, who represented the dean’s office in this process.

Cheers,

Clarence Lang
Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts
Professor of African American Studies
The Pennsylvania State University 
111 Sparks Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7691