Student Accepted to Summer Program at African American Literatures and Cultures Institute

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Kevin Morris

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The African and African American studies program in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences announced the acceptance of Kevin P. Morris II into the African American Literature and Cultures Institute at the University of Texas at San Antonio. 

Morris is a junior pursuing bachelor of arts with a combined major in African and African American studies and philosophy. A native of Los Angeles, he graduated from Crenshaw High School and expects to graduate from the university in May 2014. 

The African American Literatures and Cultures Institute’s mission is to cultivate a diverse subset of students to join the American professoriate. This highly competitive program provides rigorous writing and research training to its students in preparation for doctorate programs, offers research stipends and immerses junior scholars in the basics of African American literature. 

“My parents laid a strong foundation for me in regards to African American history and culture,” said Morris. “While at the University of Arkansas, I have had the luxury of having professors who thought outside of the box, and it solidified my desire to become a professor.”

Classical ethical theory, existentialism, literature, Hip-Hop and performance all contribute to Morris’ approach to African American studies. He chose the University of Arkansas because it combined his love for African American studies and philosophy and offered the best place for him to grow.

This spring, Morris served as the dramaturge for the African and African American studies program’s sixth spring production, Waiting to Be Invited, directed by Clinnesha Sibley, associate professor of drama. 

“Kevin is the type of student who craves intellectual pursuits,” said Sibley. “He also has a good deal of potential to lead in higher education.”

After graduation, Morris plans to pursue a doctorate in African American studies, focusing on aspects of race, gender and sexuality through literature, drama and music.

“We are very proud of Mr. Morris,” said Calvin White, Jr., assistant professor of history and director of the African and African American studies program. “He is a prime example of the interdisciplinary nature of our program and the diversity of our class offerings. There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Morris will one day take the podium as a professor, continuing the legacy of intellectual pursuit that began with the African and African American studies program.”

“Being awarded this fellowship at the University of Texas-San Antonio African American Literatures and Cultures Institute is a great opportunity to develop more as a researcher, writer, and overall scholar,” said Morris

Students will assemble in San Antonio in June for a month-long seminar. They will study with leading national scholars in African American literature, participate in a public literacy exhibit with their peers and senior scholars and travel to New York City to conduct academic research.

Participants receive housing, course materials and a $2,000 stipend. They are exposed to cultural events and unique primary research material. As part of last year’s institute, students participated in a private viewing of Harriet and Harmon Kelley’s personal collection of African American art. The collection is one of the nation’s largest of its kind and is housed at the San Antonio Museum of Art.