8 | LEHIGH ALUMNI BULLETIN | FROM THE NEST Four Questions What advice do you have for students today? In a world that is becoming increasingly “smaller” due to global and transnational ties and alliances, I would advise students to resist one-dimensionality, to challenge themselves by moving beyond their comfort zone, to be tolerant and accepting of different viewpoints, even when they contradict their own beliefs and upbringing. You were awarded a scholarship to study abroad in Moscow, where you stayed for six years. What was that like? I had the unique experience of studying in Moscow, the then Soviet Union, in the late ’80s and was equally fortunate to witness the beckoning of a new era signaled by perestroika and glasnost. Studying in Moscow became a lived lesson in diversity and inclusion as the university that I attended enrolled more than 20,000 students from more than 100 foreign countries. As the new Director of Africana Studies, what is your vision for the program? One of my main goals is to raise the profile of Africana studies both locally and nationally. Implementing a study abroad to the Caribbean is a significant step in realizing this mission. … My goal is to host a conference on Caribbean feminisms/female leadership, and a symposium on Colson Whitehead. Establishing an Africana Distinguished Lecture/Speakers Series that brings renowned scholars and writers to campus is another goal. I am also looking forward to hosting a research associate who specializes in Black Britain in spring 2025. I envision the diversification of the Africana curricula through additional course offerings, new hires and broader partnerships. I am also looking forward to being more engaged with student organizations and establishing stronger relationships with our Africana alumni. What attracted you to Lehigh? Particularly attractive was the latitude and support for research, the embrace of interdisciplinarity and the opportunity to assist in growing the Africana Studies program. Having served as Chair and Director of Africana Studies at Seton Hall University for several years, assuming the position of Director of Africana Studies at Lehigh affords me the opportunity to continue some of those initiatives and to embark on new collaborations, partnerships and challenges. FACULTY AND STAFF ʼ79 Simone Alexander: ‘Resist one-dimensionality’ A native of Guyana, Simone Alexander is Lehigh’s new Director of Africana Studies and a professor of English. CHRISTA NEU
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