DeBrenna LaFa Agbenyiga will become provost and vice president of academic affairs at Bowie State University in Maryland on July 9. Since 2015, she has been serving as vice provost, dean of the Graduate School, and as a professor of social work at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Earlier, Dr. Agbenyiga was associate dean for graduate studies and inclusion in the College of Social Science at Michigan State University.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Agbenyiga has extensive experience working globally, particularly in Africa, as a researcher and consultant to numerous ministries, non-governmental organizations and universities. Her research spans organizational culture, international social and economic development, community development and sustainability, women’s rights, children’s rights, gender-based violence, cross-cultural learning, and diversity.
In accepting the appointment, Dr. Agbenyiga stated that “I am extremely excited to join Bowie State University in the Race to Excellence that serves as a model for building a strong academic community inclusive of faculty, staff, students and administrators. Bowie State’s strong vision builds on its solid historical foundation and clearly demonstrates its past, present and future.”
A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Dr. Agbenyiga holds a master of social work degree, an MBA and a doctorate in social work, all from Michigan State University.
