Najja Baptist Chosen as Director of African and African American Studies Program

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Najja K. Baptist, left.

The Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is proud to announce that Najja Baptist was named Director of the African and African American Studies Program earlier this semester, after receiving the sole and firm nomination from faculty and students.

Baptist is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and the founding director of the University Advanced Research Team and the U of A Summer Research Opportunity Program, which trains students at five universities, including two historically Black universities, North Carolina Central University and Howard University.

“Dr. Najja Baptist is an incredible scholar, who also has the admirable ability to inspire in his students the desire to explore the world around them, to think critically, and to strive to learn and achieve more,” said Kathryn Sloan, interim dean of Fulbright College. “His passion for teaching is clear, and likewise so is his skill as a leader. We are excited to have him lead this important program and vital area of study at the U of A.”

Baptist’s research focuses on normative, innovative and empirical approaches to American politics, race, Black politics, political behavior, political psychology, political communication, political choice, social movements, culture and social media.

Baptist is also the author of the forthcoming In the Spirit, In the Dark: Black Music and Activism, which will be published by New York University Press. He has published countless book chapters and articles in top race and ethnic journals, including Politics, Groups, and Identities; Social Science Quarterly; and National Review of Black Politics.

Baptist was awarded two grants from the National Science Foundation totaling over $1.63 million, the highest obtained in the history of the Department of Political Science, for research regarding Black trauma and transformative American politics.

“I am deeply honored to lead the African and African American Studies Program, as it advances interdisciplinary scholarship, promotes social justice, and engages with the broader community,” Baptist said. “I am excited to work collaboratively to build upon its many strengths, to expand our academic offerings, and to strengthen our connections with local and national organizations. Together, we will strive to create an environment that encourages critical thinking, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the diversity of human experiences. I look forward to the exciting and meaningful work ahead.”

Beyond the U of A, Baptist actively engages in presentations, mass media appearances and academic talks on Black politics, Black Lives Matter/protest movements, voter mobilization, Black music, Black trauma and mental health, and Black epistemology. He serves as chaplain with the Upsilon Chi chapter of Omega Psi Phi. He is also an ordained minister in the United House of Prayer for All People.

Baptist is a three-time HBCU graduate. He holds a Ph.D. in Black politics (political science) from Howard University, an M.A. in political science from Jackson State University and a B.A. in political science from North Carolina Central University. He serves on the executive council as an at-large member of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists.

This story also appeared in the Fulbright REVIEW publication.