Sara Alemán

Sara Alemán named
director of Ethnic Studies

Sara Alemán, a professor of sociology and social work, has been appointed the director of Ethnic Studies, effective Aug. 1.

Alemán is replacing outgoing director Geeta Chowdhry, who is returning to teaching political science at NAU full time.

Alemán, who has been a faculty member at NAU since 1997, has served as a coordinator for the Gerontology Program and director of the Faculty Development Office, in addition to serving on a number of NAU committees, including the Commission on Ethnic Diversity, the Ethnic Studies Steering Committee and the University Curriculum Committee. In 2001, Alemán received the President's Award for faculty and academic professionals.

"Dr. Alemán has substantial experience with diversity issues and has taught various courses in ethnic diversity in both sociology and ethnic studies programs," said Kooros Mahmoudi, interim dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. "She's been dedicated to diversity issues before and since she's arrived at NAU, and I have total confidence in her to do a good job and complement the work that was previously done by Dr. Chowdhry."

Information about the Ethnic Studies program is available online.