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The 2020-21 Queen’s National Scholar program is set to boost diversity, capacity, and academic excellence in interdisciplinary Black Studies.

A university’s true strengths are derived from its ability to offer rich and rewarding learning experiences, and its pursuit of discovery and innovation. For many years, the Queen’s National Scholar (QNS) program has secured emerging leaders in teaching and research to continually advance academic distinction in these areas.

In line with the annual program’s long-standing commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, the 2020-21 QNS competition will serve to expand the interdisciplinary field of Black Studies at Queen’s. This announcement follows Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane’s commitment to hire more faculty to support the new BA Minor/General in Black Studies, and aligns with actions pledged in the university’s Declaration of Commitment to Address Systemic Racism.

New this year is the establishment of a QNS Chair in Black Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science, which will play a pivotal leadership role in the expansion of Black Studies at Queen’s. In addition, two QNS appointments to support the Black Studies program are also open to all faculties and schools.

“The Queen’s National Scholar program attracts top talent, ensuring growth and renewal of our university’s efforts to advance research and provide an exceptional student learning experience,” says Principal Deane. “This year, we are excited to announce that the program will be dedicated to delivering on our promise to launch a BA Minor/General in Black Studies, boosting our capacity for excellence in this important field and championing greater diversity among our faculties.”

The Black Studies Minor, which is expected to launch in fall 2021, will create cohesion among existing Black Studies courses offered in the Faculty of Arts and Science. These include courses related to Caribbean political economies, water politics in Southern Africa, black sound studies, African American history, black feminist thought, black geographies, and more.

In recent years, QNS appointments have been made in a variety of disciplines across faculties and schools, including Environmental Geochemistry, International community-based rehabilitation, and Aboriginal & Migrant Literatures.

For more on the 2020-21 QNS program, including how to submit expressions of interest, visit the Office of the Vice-Principal (Research) website.

Note: This article originally appeared in the Queen's Gazette.