Two African American Women Appointed to Deanships

Aherial Polite has been named dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Augusta Technical College in Georgia. She previously served as chair of the chemistry, physics, and nuclear technology department at Aiken Technical College in South Carolina.

“I am thrilled to embark on this journey as the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Augusta Technical College,” says Polite. “This appointment resonates with my commitment to guiding students on their educational and professional pursuits.”

Polite holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of South Carolina. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in leadership from Valdosta State University in Georgia.

TaKeia N. Anthony has been named dean of the Honors College and executive director of the A. Philip Randolph Social Justice Law, and Economic Policy Center at Edward Waters University, a historically Black educational institution in Jacksonsville, Florida. Dr. Anthony previously served as an assistant professor of history at Edward Waters University earlier in her career. She currently serves as interim dean of the Whitney Young Honors Collegium and associate professor of history at Kentucky State University.

“It is an honor to return to Edward Waters University to serve as the executive director of the A. Philip Randolph Social Justice Institute,” said Dr. Anthony. “I look forward to building lasting partnerships and cultivating change on campus, in Jacksonville, and beyond.”

Dr. Anthony holds three degrees from two historically Black universities. She received her bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in African history from North Carolina Central University. She earned her Ph.D. in African diaspora history from Howard University in Washington, D.C.

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