In a move to bolster its academic and community engagement, Rice University’s Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) has appointed Erika Thompson as its new associate director. The hire marks a pivotal moment for the center, which in just five years since its founding has rapidly grown to include over 35 affiliated faculty members from various disciplines.
“We are thrilled to welcome Erika Thompson to our team at CAAAS,” said Kathleen Canning, dean of the School of Humanities. “Her extensive experience and deep commitment to Africana studies and community engagement are so well aligned with our goals. We look forward to the innovative programs and initiatives that will result from this strengthened leadership at CAAAS.”
A collaborative effort between Rice’s schools of humanities and social sciences, CAAAS serves as the university’s main hub for curriculum and research on Africa and the African diaspora by fostering interdisciplinary scholarship and programming. It serves as a nexus for critical discussions, innovative research and community outreach, addressing essential topics such as race, racism and diasporic histories and identities.
“Erika’s impressive background and passion for Africana studies will be instrumental in advancing our mission to integrate rigorous academic research with meaningful community engagement,” said Rachel Kimbro, dean of social sciences. “This strategic hire, along with the new faculty additions, will significantly enhance our capacity to contribute to national and international dialogues on critical issues related to Africa and the African diaspora.”
Thompson, who previously served as community liaison for the African American History Research Center at the Gregory School within the Houston Public Library system, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new role. Her background includes positions at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta. Thompson holds a master’s degree in Africana studies from Cornell University and a master’s (all but dissertation) in American studies from the University of Maryland.
“She brings a great degree of academic training and rigor to this position, both as an archivist and a researcher,” said Sherwin Bryant, director of CAAAS and associate history professor, adding that Thompson’s diverse professional experience and established relationships within the Houston community align perfectly with CAAAS’ vision to be a global African and African American studies research center that remains deeply rooted in community engagement. “The associate director will be a critical, high-level thought partner with myself in refining and executing the vision of CAAAS.”
Thompson said she was drawn to the associate director position due to its “perfect alignment” with the work she’s done in the past, allowing her to return to academia while also creating and defining a new role at Rice.
“I know Dr. Bryant has big plans for CAAAS,” Thompson said. “I feel very honored to assist in achieving the goals and aspirations he has for the center and will dedicate my efforts to positioning it and the university as leaders in this global initiative.”
Reflecting on her time at the Gregory School, Thompson highlighted the skills she developed in coalition building, programming and outreach.
“This mosaic of partnerships and collaborations I’ve been fortunate to be part of locally has laid the foundation for state, national and international engagement, and I’m so excited to further these relationships and opportunities through CAAAS,” Thompson said.
She started her new role July 1, along with two new CAAAS-affiliated faculty members — Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman and Khadene Harris — and Ayodeji Olugbuyiro. Hordge-Freeman is an associate professor of sociology, Harris is an assistant professor of anthropology, and Olugbuyiro is the inaugural Anthony B. Pinn Postdoctoral Associate.
Learn more about CAAAS here.