Spotlight On: Donnetrice Allison
Donnetrice Allison, professor of Africana Studies and Communication Studies, presents a lecture during her Knapp Chair residency at the University of San Diego.
Galloway, N.J. — Donnetrice Allison, professor of Africana Studies and Communication Studies at Stockton, recently returned from California, where she served as the Knapp Chair of Liberal Arts from Feb. 9–20 at the University of San Diego.
Allison during her Knapp Chair residency in February at the University of San Diego.
The over 30-year-old tradition involves the annual appointment by the dean of two to three distinguished scholars from across the liberal arts disciplines, who arrive for a residency of up to three weeks during the fall or spring semester.
Knapp Chairs contribute to the vitality of the institution by teaching and engaging students, collaborating with faculty and presenting lectures to the campus community.
Allison’s robust program there included guest lectures in African American history courses, student discussions on media, culture and identity, and workshops to help students develop authentic storytelling projects.
She also led faculty conversations on teaching race and culture across disciplines and provided guidance on developing Africana Studies curricula. Public events included a lecture on access and representation in higher education, a Black History Month program on hip-hop as a living archive of Black history, and a screening and discussion of her dramedy series, Teaching While Black.
Allison leads a discussion on hip-hop during her Knapp Chair residency at the University of San Diego.
Allison learned she had been nominated in what might best be described as a full-circle moment.
“I was in my office at Stockton, and I was excited and honored to learn that I had been selected, especially because I was nominated by a Stockton alum, who is currently in her second year as tenure-track faculty in the History Department. Her name is Toyo Aboderin ’17, and she was one of my students.”
Besides appreciating the beauty of the campus set on a hill with breathtaking views and being the chair, Allison said something truly significant about the experience was seeing one of her former students in her element as a professor.
🎧 Fun Fact Alert
Allison used to be a DJ — and still occasionally spins for fun.
“It solidified the importance of mentorship. She often tells me that she became a college professor because of me, and I became one because of my undergraduate mentor at the University of New Haven, Professor Brenda Williams, many years ago. I believe in paying it forward,” she shared.
This residency strengthened her resolve to mentor students and help them achieve their goals.
Allison has been a part of the Stockton community for 22 years.
Reported by Mandee McCullough
Photos submitted
