Agya Boakye-Boaten, Ph.D., appointed inaugural Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at SUNY Geneseo

The University of North Carolina Asheville extends its heartfelt congratulations to Agya Boakye-Boaten, Ph.D., on his appointment as the inaugural Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at SUNY Geneseo.

As dean, Boakye-Boaten will provide strategic leadership and oversight for 18 academic departments and the Center for Social Justice Studies. This exciting new role marks the next chapter in a distinguished career dedicated to scholarship, service, and transformational leadership in higher education.

For nearly 15 years, Boakye-Boaten has been a vital member of our academic community—first as a faculty member in Africana and Interdisciplinary/International Studies, and more recently as chair of Interdisciplinary Studies and dean of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

“Boakye-Boaten has been instrumental in shaping inclusive curricula,” Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Yvonne Villanueva-Russell said. “He has launched interdisciplinary programs and forged global partnerships that have elevated the University’s mission and impact.”

Among his many contributions, Boakye-Boaten led the redesign of the Africana Studies Program, created innovative certificate and pathway programs, and co-chaired the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan as part of UNC Asheville’s recent Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) reaccreditation. His leadership helped increase grant activity across the social sciences and introduced strategic planning initiatives focused on student success and academic excellence.

“For the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of being a part of this remarkable institution, one that has profoundly shaped the lives of countless students and will undoubtedly continue its transformative mission for generations to come,” said Boakye-Boaten. “I am deeply grateful for my students, dedicated colleagues, and the broader Asheville community, whose collective spirit enriches and inspires. Serving UNC Asheville has been an honor and a joy, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

A Fulbright Scholar and Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow, Boakye-Boaten brought a global perspective to every facet of his work. His scholarship, mentorship, and community engagement have left a lasting imprint on our campus and in the broader Asheville community, and his legacy of excellence will continue to inspire and guide UNC Asheville in the years to come.