Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

IU School of Liberal Arts

SLA Spirograph Ideas. Inspiration. Impact.

Little Honored with “Directors Award” from Center for Leadership Development

News Categories: African American and African Diaspora Studies | Faculty and Staff | History

/_Assets/uploads/images/iupui_black.gifMonroe Little, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History and Director of the Africana Studies Program in the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI, recently received the Center for Leadership Development (CLD) Directors Award.

The CLD is a nonprofit organization which fosters the advancement of minority youth in Central Indiana as future professional, business, and community leaders.

"Thanks to the countless contributions and unceasing devotion of Dr. Little, thousands of current and former students in and around Indianapolis have a better understanding of U.S. and African-American history," said Dennis Bassett, CEO of the CLD, during the award presentation. "His research and community service contributions have enriched the awareness and understanding of black history in our city and state."

Little is the founding director of IUPUI’s Africana Studies Program and served in that role for 30 years from 1980-2011.  Today the program offers a bachelor’s degree and minor, an expanded faculty, and an enlarged curriculum which allows students to study Africa and African descendants around the world.

An active community volunteer and board member, Little is involved with a range of Indianapolis organizations including Flanner House, 100 Black Men, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Dean of the School of Liberal Arts William Blomquist said, "I believe the signal contribution Dr. Monroe Little has made to our community and to the educational profession in Indianapolis is to devote much of his academic career to the creation and growth of a program of study of African-Americans and other people of African descent worldwide at the area’s principal public university."

"A CLD Director’s Award is a fitting and significant recognition of Dr. Little’s dedication and service," said Blomquist.

Photo: Dean Bill Blomquist presents the award to Dr. Monroe Little (right) on behalf of the CLD.

Published on: May 31, 2011