Expertise:
African literature and cinema; Philosophy; Psychoanalysis; Culture; Politics; Critical theory
Hobbies/Sports:
Writing; Traveling; Reading
Education Degrees:
Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and French Studies, University of Minnesota
Affiliations Awards:
Midwest Modern Language Association; Modern Language Association; Society for the Study of Narrative Literature; The Law and Society Association; The Canadian Association of African Studies; Conseil International d'Etudes Francophones; Mahogany Afro-Culture
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The most gratifying aspect of her career is seeing her students attain good positions and do well.
Number Of Years In Profession:
16
Number Of Years In Current Position:
15
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to clear work ethics.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because she earned a Ph.D. in order to be able to teach and conduct research.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Acting as a director of graduate students in comparative literature; Teaching African literature, francophone studies and comparative literature; Researching; Following graduate students, who are writing theses to earn a Ph.D.; Advising two students at the University of Michigan and three outside of the university; Serving as a board member of the graduate school community; Meeting every other week to talk about issues concerning graduate students
Awards/Honors:
African Heritage Grant, African Study Center (2010); Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award (2007); Learning and Teaching Grant to Develop Course on “Rethinking Negritude within Francophone Studies,” Center for Research (2006); LSA/OVPR Michigan Humanities Award (2006); Spring/Summer Research Grant for Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates in Ghana, Ford Foundation (2003)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Dr. Ekotto hopes to work on a book manuscript about women loving women in sub-Saharan Africa. She wants to make a documentary for her novel, which is being written in French and English. She would also like to research the identity of the African diaspora.