The University of New Mexico’s Africana studies program has announced the establishment of a Friends for Africana Studies Advisory Team (FASAT) that includes 11 members from within and outside the university community.
The members of FASAT will work closely with the director of Africana studies to support administrative efforts that will lead to department status for the Africana studies program. The group will identify and engage funding sources to support the academic, research, and public/community service projects of Africana studies. In addition, the panel will assist the director of Africana studies with the annual graduation ceremony, the planning of the annual state meeting on Black studies, and the planning the celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary celebration of Black studies at the University of New Mexico.
Charles E. Becknell, Jr., director of Africana studies at the University of New Mexico stated that “as we expand the scope of the Africana studies agenda, we have established an advisory team with extensive experience in religion and social justice, fiscal services, non-profits, student affairs, and city and state government to provide guidance during our next phase of growth. We look forward to working with the respected members and leveraging their leadership to further Africana studies’ current and future goals.”
Dr. Becknell holds a bachelor’s degree in African a studies and a Ph.D. in education from the University of New Mexico. He earned a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Clark Atlanta University.
