Center for African Studies Outreach Director Dr. Agness Leslie has received the 2023 University of Florida Superior Accomplishment Award for Community Service. Dr. Leslie, a Master Lecturer at the CAS, also teaches courses in political science, including “Women and Politics in Africa” and “China and Africa Relations.” As the Outreach Director, Dr. Leslie collaborates with K-12 teachers, college professors, and the community in general to promote the teaching of Africa. She regularly works with teachers in Alachua County and across the United States to organize in-person and online classroom engagements, including UF professors and graduate students. Each Summer, she directs an institute for college professors and a two-week summer institute for K-12 teachers. The objective of the institutes is for participants to increase their knowledge about Africa. Dr. Leslie also publishes Teach Africa, Taking Africa to the Classroom, which includes articles and lesson plans contributed by teachers from the summer institutes. These booklets are published as teaching resources on the Center’s website and the official African Studies Association Outreach website.
Ms. Nicole Harris, a 2021 Alachua County Teacher of the Year Award winner, nominated Dr. Leslie for the award, wrote: “Dr. Leslie is the epitome of town and gown. It is rare that a professor can go into K-12 classrooms in multiple schools and be recognized by kids in the community. Dr. Leslie was a key factor in why the African and African-American History classes at ALL the local high schools not only survived but thrived. Her mentorship, collaboration, and partnership with all the secondary teachers have made a difference for hundreds of kids and counting.”
As a result of her work and commitment to the Center, we are delighted to recognize Dr. Agnes Leslie for her outstanding contribution as an educator and community member.
