African American studies names new interm chair

African American and African Diaspora Studies experienced another change in administration Aug. 1 when Dr. Valerie Grim became the second consecutive interim chair of the department.\nGrim is the third chairperson to hold the seat in the last three years. \nIn 2003, former chairman Dr. John Stanfield was replaced by interim chairman Michael McGerr, who held the seat until Grim took his place.\nGrim received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History at Tougaloo College before completing her Masters degree in history at Iowa State University, as well as a Ph.D. in agricultural and rural history.\nGrim was hired by IU to the AAADS department through the College of Arts and Sciences. She came to IU from Iowa, where she was the interim chairwoman of the African American Studies Program.\nGrim takes the position with new goals to improve the AAADS department. Graduate student Ryon Cobb said the most important change has been making the "department's classes more inter-disciplinary on both the undergraduate and graduate level."\nSome changes Grim has made in the past include requiring students to incorporate other disciplines like anthropology, literature and sociology, in their research.\nGrim said she also hopes to implement a Ph.D. program in the AAADS department by 2006.\nCobb is a member of the African American and African Diaspora Graduate Society, which he said works closely with Grim. Cobb said Grimm is very dedicated to all the students in the department. Last March, Grim informed the Graduate Society about the Black Studies Conferences and helped them find funding for everyone who could attend. Cobb said in preparation for the conference, Grim helped the students prepare for their presentations.\nGraduate student Kellie Hogue, also a member of the AAADSGS, said she feels the relationship Grim has with students is important to success.\n"The relationships that exist between graduate students and faculty, which are nurtured and fostered by Dr. Grim, are what make this department a success on every level," Hogue said.\nHogue also feels the changes Grim has implemented reflect the dedication the chair has for the AAADS department.\n"Dr. Grim has created an incredibly inclusive environment, fostered a strong and vibrant sense of community, and her openness and availability lets us know that she truly cares about each and every one of us and is committed to our personal and professional academic success," Hogue said.\nIn the short time Grim has been at IU, she has impacted her students greatly, Cobb said.\n"Her presence simply shows her commitment not only to the department and discipline, but most importantly, to every student in our department," Cobb said.\nA permanent chair has not been announced, but Cobb feels Grim is the right person for the job.\n"Dr. Grim is obviously qualified to permanently hold this position and, in my opinion, should remain as chair of the department," Cobb said.\n-- Contact staff writer Ashley Lough at amlough@indiana.edu.