New Institute Aims to Increase the Number of Scholars Pursuing Academic Careers in African-American Literature

The University of Texas at San Antonio has established the African-American Literatures and Cultures Institute, a three-week summer program designed to increase the number of students pursuing academic careers in African-American literature. The program will offer an intensive program for eight college juniors each year. Students will be selected through a competitive application procedure. Those accepted will be able to attend the institute free of charge and will receive a $2,000 research stipend.

The institute is under the direction of Howard Ramsby II, assistant professor of English and director of the black studies program at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Dr. Ramsby is a 1999 graduate of Tougaloo College. He holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in English from Pennsylvania State University.