African culture as understood and practiced throughout the Diaspora is an integrated system of hu... more African culture as understood and practiced throughout the Diaspora is an integrated system of human thought and action and an embodiment of different practices, with all of them intertwined and closely related to one another. For instance, African-centered or based music, art, dance, aesthetics, spirituality, and science are all linked to form a more holistic way of thinking and acting in the world. This holistic system is to be understood as the way of life of a people. This chapter will look at the "Circle" and "Ubuntu" as African cultural practices that exemplify an integrated system of human thought and action. African-centered pedagogy (ACP) will also be discussed to demonstrate how African cultural practices can direct learning toward liberation. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the contemporary relevance of cultural nationalism.
The purpose of this survey is to assess the diverse climate of graduate students’ experiences at ... more The purpose of this survey is to assess the diverse climate of graduate students’ experiences at ISU. The retention and persistence of graduate students at ISU continues to be an ongoing topic of conversation within the graduate college and academic departments. Graduate students play an integral role in research and scholarship on campus and it is critical that the department and lab climate foster a positive environment for all graduate students at ISU. In an unhealthy climate, students are less likely to adjust academically and are less likely to develop a sense of belonging on the campus. Assessing campus climate and then taking action to create and sustain a healthy climate are essential steps to creating an environment that supports the fundamental mission of the university —teaching, research, and service. Addressing climate benefits all campus community members, not just historically underrepresented students, faculty and staff. Our aims are to provide an outlet for graduate...
Though many in the Iowa State University community celebrated the renaming of Old Botany Hall to ... more Though many in the Iowa State University community celebrated the renaming of Old Botany Hall to Carrie Chapman Catt Hall, a group of students pushed to reopen the naming process because of how Carrie Lane Chapman Catt aligned herself with white supremacists during her campaign to win women’s suffrage. The September 29th Movement was an intersectional, student-led initiative “dedicated to the elimination of racism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, and classism at Iowa State University, recognizing that changing the name of Catt Hall, a symbol of exclusion, must be the first step in that struggle.” The group took its name from the date “September 29, 1995,” which was when they published an essay about Carrie Lane Chapman Catt in Uhuru!, the newsletter of Iowa State University Black Student Alliance. The essay entitled “The Catt is out of the Bag: Was she racist?” raised issues of racism within the women’s suffrage movement and questioned whether Carrie Lane Chapman Catt was racist. Th...
I dedicate this dissertation to my Grandmother NanaKen, Mildred Milly McKen, who was there every ... more I dedicate this dissertation to my Grandmother NanaKen, Mildred Milly McKen, who was there every step of the way. I love you and couldn't be more grateful to have you in my life. As I write this, you are 95 years young, and I couldn't be more grateful to have you in my life, as you consistently remind me of the importance of family and what it is to love life unconditionally. I would also like to dedicate this to my mother, Iya Amma McKen, who taught me how to be free and embrace the richness of our history and the legacy of our people. I would also like to dedicate this to my sister Ayoka Wiles, my first teacher. I would not be who I am without your guidance and support. To my tribe, my beloved wife Sudhi, and my two little angels Asani and Sewa, the love I have for you is immeasurable. You all have made me a better Father, Husband, and Man. You all sacrificed so much to allow me to chase my dreams, and I hope that I can pour into you as much as you all have poured into me. I love you! iii
He studies graduate students' learning and achievement, particularly those from underrepresented ... more He studies graduate students' learning and achievement, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields. He also examines the institutional policies and practices that influence students' educational and workforce pathways. His research, writing, and teaching and advising directly relate to his personal journey as a collegiate student leader, emerging scholar, and the decision to pursue a faculty career.
African culture as understood and practiced throughout the Diaspora is an integrated system of hu... more African culture as understood and practiced throughout the Diaspora is an integrated system of human thought and action and an embodiment of different practices, with all of them intertwined and closely related to one another. For instance, African-centered or based music, art, dance, aesthetics, spirituality, and science are all linked to form a more holistic way of thinking and acting in the world. This holistic system is to be understood as the way of life of a people. This chapter will look at the "Circle" and "Ubuntu" as African cultural practices that exemplify an integrated system of human thought and action. African-centered pedagogy (ACP) will also be discussed to demonstrate how African cultural practices can direct learning toward liberation. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the contemporary relevance of cultural nationalism.
The purpose of this survey is to assess the diverse climate of graduate students’ experiences at ... more The purpose of this survey is to assess the diverse climate of graduate students’ experiences at ISU. The retention and persistence of graduate students at ISU continues to be an ongoing topic of conversation within the graduate college and academic departments. Graduate students play an integral role in research and scholarship on campus and it is critical that the department and lab climate foster a positive environment for all graduate students at ISU. In an unhealthy climate, students are less likely to adjust academically and are less likely to develop a sense of belonging on the campus. Assessing campus climate and then taking action to create and sustain a healthy climate are essential steps to creating an environment that supports the fundamental mission of the university —teaching, research, and service. Addressing climate benefits all campus community members, not just historically underrepresented students, faculty and staff. Our aims are to provide an outlet for graduate...
Though many in the Iowa State University community celebrated the renaming of Old Botany Hall to ... more Though many in the Iowa State University community celebrated the renaming of Old Botany Hall to Carrie Chapman Catt Hall, a group of students pushed to reopen the naming process because of how Carrie Lane Chapman Catt aligned herself with white supremacists during her campaign to win women’s suffrage. The September 29th Movement was an intersectional, student-led initiative “dedicated to the elimination of racism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, and classism at Iowa State University, recognizing that changing the name of Catt Hall, a symbol of exclusion, must be the first step in that struggle.” The group took its name from the date “September 29, 1995,” which was when they published an essay about Carrie Lane Chapman Catt in Uhuru!, the newsletter of Iowa State University Black Student Alliance. The essay entitled “The Catt is out of the Bag: Was she racist?” raised issues of racism within the women’s suffrage movement and questioned whether Carrie Lane Chapman Catt was racist. Th...
I dedicate this dissertation to my Grandmother NanaKen, Mildred Milly McKen, who was there every ... more I dedicate this dissertation to my Grandmother NanaKen, Mildred Milly McKen, who was there every step of the way. I love you and couldn't be more grateful to have you in my life. As I write this, you are 95 years young, and I couldn't be more grateful to have you in my life, as you consistently remind me of the importance of family and what it is to love life unconditionally. I would also like to dedicate this to my mother, Iya Amma McKen, who taught me how to be free and embrace the richness of our history and the legacy of our people. I would also like to dedicate this to my sister Ayoka Wiles, my first teacher. I would not be who I am without your guidance and support. To my tribe, my beloved wife Sudhi, and my two little angels Asani and Sewa, the love I have for you is immeasurable. You all have made me a better Father, Husband, and Man. You all sacrificed so much to allow me to chase my dreams, and I hope that I can pour into you as much as you all have poured into me. I love you! iii
He studies graduate students' learning and achievement, particularly those from underrepresented ... more He studies graduate students' learning and achievement, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields. He also examines the institutional policies and practices that influence students' educational and workforce pathways. His research, writing, and teaching and advising directly relate to his personal journey as a collegiate student leader, emerging scholar, and the decision to pursue a faculty career.
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