Black Faculty Association, BFA, faculty, AAUP
October 25, 2023
Oakland University’s Black Faculty Association (BFA), in partnership with Academic Affairs, and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, have jointly sponsored the creation of the Black Faculty Association Legacy Board. This board serves as a tribute to the esteemed Black Faculty Members who have significantly enriched the academic landscape of Oakland University.
“The Legacy Board commemorates the past, but also stands as a symbol of the ongoing and indispensable role Black faculty members play in advancing Oakland University's core mission,” said Dr. Chaunda L. Scott, Black Faculty Association president, professor of Human Resource Development in the School of Education’s Department of Organizational Leadership and inaugural inductee to the Black Faculty Legacy Board.
“This is more than just recognition for those elected to the Legacy Board,” said Richard Olawoyin, Ph.D., Black Faculty Association vice president and associate professor in the School of Engineering and Computer Science’s Industrial and Systems Engineering Department added. “It is a window into our institution's rich, multicultural heritage, offering inspiration to current and prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and the broader community.”
Legacy Board members are featured on the BFA website and celebrated annually at the BFA Black History Month event.
Every academic year, there will be new inductees named to the Legacy Board.
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| Members of the Black Faculty Association celebrate the inaugural members of the BFA Legacy Board |
The five distinguished individuals who have been selected as inaugural members of the Oakland University BFA Legacy Board are:
Dr. Manuel H. Pierson
Dr. Manuel H. Pierson, a true pioneer in advancing diversity at Oakland University, devoted an impressive 28 years of his career to championing the cause of diversity and equal opportunities for students, staff, and faculty.
His impactful OU leadership journey encompassed serving in various key roles, including Associate Dean of Students, Director of Special Projects, Associate Dean of Student Services, and Assistant Vice President.
Dr. Pierson was the driving force behind several significant diversity and equal opportunity initiatives, including the development of Upward Bound and Project 20.
Dr. Pierson’s legacy endures through Oakland University's ongoing commitment to nurturing diversity, equity and inclusivity. His influence as a mentor to students and his exceptional community leadership have left a lasting source of inspiration in our shared pursuit of diversity.
Dr. Kevin Early
In honor of Dr. Kevin Early's exceptional contributions as a champion of community outreach and for his leadership embracing diversity and inclusivity, he has been chosen as an inaugural member of the Oakland University Black Faculty Association (BFA) Legacy Board.
Dr. Early's visionary perspective and tireless dedication have opened many doors of opportunity, inspiring current and future generations to embrace diversity and work towards a better future.
His visionary role in creating the Keeper of the Dream program paved the way for fostering interracial understanding and goodwill at Oakland University. That program, celebrated each Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is one of the signature programs held on campus each January.
Dr. Chaunda L. Scott
Dr. Chaunda L. Scott, a distinguished professor of Human Resource Development at Oakland University is still active on campus, though she has already created a living legacy devoted to combating societal racism and championing social justice.
Her scholarly research and teaching pursuits on campus, around the country and around the world, have garnered her numerous accolades and prestigious awards, including the R. Wayne Pace Book of the Year Award from the Academy of Human Resource Development, Academy of Human Resource Development's Critical HRD Scholar Award and the Fulbright Specialist Award.
Most notably, she has been recognized as one of Michigan's Top 25 Education Professors and received the Educator of the Year Award for her outstanding efforts in workforce diversity and diversity education initiatives. She is also founder of the Oakland University Diverse Voices Conference, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to community outreach.
As the first and current president of the Oakland University Black Faculty Association, Dr. Scott has played a focal role in shaping and championing the BFA's vision and mission, underscoring her commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive community.
Dr. Vincent Khapoya
Dr. Vincent Khapoya, a prominent professor of African Politics at Oakland University, made substantial contributions to the field of African politics through his extensive scholarly endeavors.
His research focused on democratization, governance, and conflict resolution in Africa and is evidenced by his influential books such as "The African Experience: An Introduction" and "Politics in Africa: A New Introduction." Dr. Khapoya's unwavering dedication to his field is evident in his academic accomplishments and research contributions.
Beyond academia, Dr. Khapoya generously shared his expertise as a consultant for esteemed organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, contributing significantly to African development and governance.
His profound expertise, extensive publications, and influential consultancy work have profoundly enriched our comprehension of African governance and development.
Dr. DeWitt Dykes
Dr. DeWitt Dykes has dedicated his professional life to higher education and community service, spending more than 50 years teaching in the History Department at Oakland University.
He is known for his exceptional expertise in African American history and is a renowned authority on African American, Urban, and Family History. He has served as a respected role model and mentor to several generations of Oakland University students and takes great pride in knowing he has helped shape the next generation of scholars.
Dr. Dykes’ leadership and involvement in various organizations, including the Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society and the Michigan Black History Network, highlight his dedication to promoting African American genealogy and history.
His contributions to historical institutions such as the Detroit Historical Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History further demonstrates his commitment to preserving and sharing African American heritage.
Learn more about the Black Faculty Association, its history and membership criteria and the newly created Legacy Board.