William Reno named interim director of the Program of African Studies

Political Science Professor and Department Chair William Reno has been appointed interim director of Northwestern’s Program of African Studies, effective Sept. 1. Currently classified as one of Northwestern’s University Research Institutes and Centers (URIC) in the Office for Research, the program will move to the Office of the Provost as the University works to re-energize the program. A search for the next director will commence soon.

“The Program of African Studies has been a point of pride for Northwestern for many decades,” Provost Erik Luijten said. “I look forward to working with Professor Reno and all of our African Studies faculty as we chart the path for a renewed and recharged African Studies program.” 

Founded in 1948 by Melville J. Herskovits, the Program of African Studies has earned international recognition for its leadership and multidisciplinary scholarship, attracting significant endowed funding. The program will retain its endowment support through its transition to the Office of the Provost.

Reno, a scholar of politics of violence and state collapse in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, previously led the Program of African Studies from 2012 through 2018.

“I am eager to work with the Office of the Provost and faculty colleagues to reinforce Northwestern’s prominence as a center for African Studies—particularly during challenging times for higher education and at an inflection point of development on the African continent,” Reno said. “Our University brings together students and scholars in a uniquely powerful way, and I look forward to elevating our collective impact.”