Empowering Students
In the era of President Obama, Black Lives Matter, and Shondaland, the field of African American Studies is timely and relevant. UF is one of only 232 academic institutions in the U.S. to offer a major in African American Studies, and its program has about 450 undergraduates. Sharon Austin, associate professor of political science, teaches in the program, and says she is very impressed by UF students: “Our students are the most ambitious I’ve taught in my 22 years as a professor.”
A liberal arts education is important because it encourages students to “think about topics they might not otherwise think about” — especially issues facing minorities.
Her favorite class to teach is African American Politics. “A lot of people are still in shock that we elected a black president,” says Austin. In her class, she tells students about Shirley Chisolm, who in 1972 was not only the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential candidate, but also the first black candidate for either major party. “If Hillary Clinton wins in November and becomes the first female president of the U.S., it will be a significant accomplishment for her and for our nation.”
A liberal arts education is important, asserts Austin, because it encourages students to “think about topics they might not otherwise think about” — especially issues facing minorities. Austin aims to empower her students to change the world. “I enjoy receiving emails from them years after they’ve graduated in which they tell me about the impact my classes have had on their development as scholars and as people,” she says.
Austin is working on her third book, The Caribbeanization of Black Politics, which examines the effects of diaspora in four U.S. cities. She says that her discussions with her students motivate her research. “They really are proud of this institution,” observes Austin. “They’re not just here to get an education. They really like being part of the Gator Nation. I’ve never seen that type of pride in any other place where I’ve worked.”
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