Parkland College Hosts Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence
The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program brings visiting scholars from abroad to U.S. colleges and universities, helping the institutions internationalize their campuses and surrounding communities.
Parkland College's first Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence in many years is bringing West African perspectives to instruction in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts at the college this year.
Dr. Youssoupha Mane brings professional experience as an educator and researcher at Assane Seck University in Ziguinchor, Senegal. There, he specializes in African Studies and the traditional art of the peoples of West Africa, particularly Senegal. This includes the Diola, the Bassari, the Bedik, and the Bainouk, among others.
At Parkland, Dr. Mane is contributing by teaching classes in History and African Studies and will also be collaborating with the Giertz Art Gallery at Parkland and the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures at the University of Illinois. He says he is looking forward to growth during the academic year.
“I am grateful to be a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence at Parkland College, which has deepened my empathy for international students and enhanced my appreciation for the value of diversity,” Mane said. “I believe this has broadened my awareness of cultural differences and understanding. Being at Parkland College as a Fulbright Scholar is a privilege, where I find a tranquil environment and warm, welcoming people, particularly my hosts. Parkland reflects the essence of Champaign.”
The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program brings visiting scholars from abroad to U.S. colleges and universities, helping the institutions internationalize their curricula, campuses and surrounding communities. The program also helps diversify the educational experiences of their students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
Mane is one of 43 Fulbright Scholars-in-Residence and among 1,000 outstanding foreign faculty and professionals who will teach and pursue research in the United States for the 2024-25 academic year through the worldwide Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program.
“Parkland provides an environment that allows me to explore a new educational system and engage with new learners, which is an invaluable opportunity for my personal growth,” Mane explained. “Additionally, I am grateful for the chance to share my knowledge and experience in this academic setting within the classroom.”
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. Notable Fulbright Scholars include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, 41 heads of state or government, and thousands of leaders across the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program, which has operated in over 160 countries worldwide.
More information about the Fulbright Program can be found online.