Assist Prof Dr. Samson Ndanyi, Rhodes College, United States
Samson Kaunga Ndanyi, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of African History and Africana Studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He earned his Ph.D. in History with a focus on African history and double minors in World History and African American History and African Diaspora Studies from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 2018. He also holds an M.A. in History from Morgan State University and an M.S. in Social Science from Towson University, where he completed his B.S. in Film and T.V. Production, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Ndanyi specializes in a diverse array of fields, including African history from precolonial times to the present, Black Cinema, the Black Diaspora, and the global histories of cannabis and piracy. He teaches a range of courses, including surveys of traditional and modern Africa, Black protests, and diseases in Africa, as well as specialized classes like “Ganja: A Global History of Marijuana” and “Ocean Pirates and Piracy.” Dr. Ndanyi is committed to innovative pedagogy and has undergone extensive training in teaching college history. Prior to his current role, he served as an Associate Instructor at Indiana University, where he facilitated student discussions and supported academic advising.
Professional Profile:
Scopus
Summary of Suitability for Research for Community Impact Award: Samson Kaunga Ndanyi, Ph.D.
Dr. Samson Kaunga Ndanyi, an Assistant Professor of African History and Africana Studies at Rhodes College, stands out as a compelling candidate for the Research for Community Impact Award. His extensive academic background and diverse research interests uniquely position him to contribute to community engagement and social transformation.
Education
- Ph.D. in History (African History)
- Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, 2018
- Double Minors: World History; African American History and African Diaspora Studies.
- M.A. in History
- Morgan State University, Maryland, 2013
- M.S. in Social Science
- Towson University, Maryland, 2008
- B.S. in Film and T.V. Production (Magna Cum Laude)
- Towson University, Maryland, 2006
Work Experience
Academic Appointment
- Assistant Professor of History and Africana Studies
- Rhodes College, Memphis, TN (2018-present)
Teaching Experience
- Associate Instructor
- Indiana University, Bloomington, 2014-2018
- Responsible for facilitating student discussions, grading assignments, attending lectures, and providing academic support.
Non-Academic Work
- National Refugee Processing Specialist
- World Relief, Baltimore, Maryland (2006–2013)
- Unit Manager
- Creative Options Inc., Baltimore, Maryland (2003–2006)
- Freelance Journalist
- Daily Nation, Kenya (2002–2003)
- Drama Director/Teacher
- Limuru Girls’ High School, Kiambu, Kenya (1996–2001)
- Artistic Director/Actor
- Kenya National Theatre, Nairobi, Kenya (1992–1994)
- Artistic Director
- Wadada Theatre, Nairobi, Kenya (1989–1995)
Publication top Notes:
A film is banned if the ladies say so: Women and film censorship in Kenya, 1912-1963
CANNABIS IN KENYA
Read Africans, decenter scholarship
Reassessing Jomo Kenyatta’s Crackdown on Theatre for Education and Development