A Historic Appointment at SIUE
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has welcomed Timothy Lewis as the new director of its Black Studies Program. Along with this new role, Lewis carries the distinction of being the first Black American to earn tenure in the university’s Department of Political Science.
This appointment comes during a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs face significant challenges nationwide. Despite these hurdles, SIUE is focusing on growth and innovation. Lewis plans to expand the Black Studies Program from offering a minor to establishing a full major.
“It’s a continuation of that legacy,” Lewis shared, reflecting on the program’s future and his own groundbreaking role.
The Vision to Expand Black Studies
The Black Studies Program currently has 23 students pursuing minors. Lewis is determined to broaden the program’s reach by introducing new courses. These will span African American politics, theater and racism, and African American music.
“I’ve taken a concerted effort to ensure the program is interdisciplinary,” Lewis explained. “There are now courses across six disciplines, including Political Science, History, English, Sociology, Music, and Theater and Dance.”
His goal extends beyond curriculum changes. Lewis envisions the program as a space for all students, regardless of racial background, to explore and appreciate the Black experience.
Black Studies: A Legacy of Leadership
The Black Studies Program at SIUE was established in 1992 by Professor Rudolph “Rudy” G. Wilson. Wilson also served as the university’s first Assistant Provost for Culture and Social Diversity. Over the years, the program has been shaped by leaders like Kathryn Bentley, who recently retired. Bentley championed the legitimacy of Black Studies as a discipline and contributed to its continued growth through the Black Studies Feasibility Report.
Lewis is committed to building on this foundation, even as DEI initiatives face political opposition. Across Missouri, lawmakers are proposing bills to reduce or eliminate DEI programs, a trend Lewis sees as a direct challenge to his work.
“It means I’m going to have to fight and resist the powers trying to delegitimize Black Studies and DEI initiatives,” he said.
Timothy Lewis: A Leader with a Mission
Lewis’s academic achievements are as impressive as his vision for the program. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Tuskegee University, a Master of Science in International Relations from Troy University, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
His extensive research focuses on Blackness and the Black experience, making him uniquely qualified to lead the program’s expansion. His efforts aim to make Black Studies accessible and relevant to more students, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Black history and culture.
Looking Ahead
Timothy Lewis’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for SIUE and its Black Studies Program. As the first Black tenured professor in the university’s Political Science Department, his work not only honors a legacy but also paves the way for a more inclusive future.
With plans to create a major and introduce a broader array of courses, Lewis is ensuring that Black history continues to be an integral part of American history education.
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