Interview with Randy Stakeman by Marcus Williams

Randy Stakeman came to Bowdoin in 1978, not as a student, but as a member of the faculty. He discusses the history of the Africana Studies program, which he chaired from 1989 until his retirement in 2006. Stakeman also discusses his position as Acting Dean of Students, which he held for a brief period of time early in his career. He worked diligently to help bridge the achievement gap between black and white students. Stakeman partnered with faculty across the college to give special attention and support to underachieving students. He remembers fondly the role of the John B. Russwurm Center, where black students could congregate and find support. He says the house created a community, which he cherished