African American Studies

Dozens of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty and staff were recognized as having pivotal roles in shaping the success of the 2024 graduating class. Graduating students identified UI employees who made a difference in their lives in and out of the classroom. The faculty and staff were identified by the UI Senior Exit Survey, and those who are mentioned by five or more students are listed in bold.

Professor Ashley Howard is the recipient of the 2024 James N. Murray Faculty Award, which honors an untenured faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding rapport with students and who creates an exemplary classroom atmosphere.

Damani Phillips, who serves as head of jazz studies and jointly appointed in African American Studies, is an accomplished performer, scholar, teacher, and composer. The Collegiate Scholar Award was inaugurated in 2008 to recognize mid-career faculty for exceptional achievement. The award carries a financial award to support the recipient's teaching and research initiatives.