A Legacy of Progress, a Future of Promise

The African Studies Center (ASC) at Michigan State University (MSU) has earned the distinguished reputation as one of the leading centers for African studies in the United States and globally. Established in 1960, the ASC has a long history of deep engagement with the African continent, fostering a vibrant academic community dedicated to research, teaching, and outreach. The Center has been instrumental in advancing knowledge about Africa's diverse cultures, histories, languages, and contemporary issues, and has been a global pioneer in building equitable, strong and lasting partnerships with African universities, research, government and other institutions, and community organizations. 

MSU has made significant contributions to Africa through a variety of impactful initiatives. One of its most notable achievements was playing a central role in establishing the University of Nigeria at Nsukka, a project that saw MSU President John Hannah collaborate with Nigeria’s first civilian President, Nnamdi Azikiwe. MSU's efforts have also been crucial in health interventions, such as the successful eradication of river blindness and reducing cerebral malaria in children. In its commitment to a more just and equitable world, the ASC's leadership in creating the Association of Concerned Africa Scholars and its successful mobilization of support across MSU, Michigan, and beyond to end apartheid and colonialism in Southern Africa, including divesting its investment portfolio, stands as a significant achievement. 

Additionally, the university has made substantial contributions to democratic processes through the Afrobarometer, which surveys public opinion across Africa. MSU has also enhanced agricultural practices and food security on the continent, contributed to climate change adaptation and mitigation. The University established the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), the Partnerships for Sustainable Community Development, and the Institute of Ubuntu Thought and Practice, further demonstrating its commitment to co-created innovative solutions, sustainable development, and cultural understanding. MSU's African History Program in the Department of History consistently ranks among the top three in the USA, and MSU has published more dissertations in diverse fields on Africa than any other Western university. Continued success with Title VI National Resource Center (NRC) and Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships from the U.S. Department of Education has enabled us to offer a premier African Languages program, train the next generation of experts, and advance knowledge about Africa, including supporting the publication of the Northeast African Studies (NEAS) journal. MSU produced more PhD dissertations on Africa than any other Western university. This network of MSU-trained experts and alumni actively drives development across Africa as Spartan global citizens. The 65-year anniversary gives the opportunity to current and past MSU students, faculty and staff to celebrate these and many more achievements as a foundation to regroup and prepare to reach new heights. The celebration will be done through events organized thematically throughout 2025 and held mainly at the MSU campus with some held in Africa.