Rev. Dr. Forrest M. Pritchett, a longtime civil rights leader and eminent voice at Seton Hall for 45 years, has been named interim director of Africana Studies. His appointment began on January 15 and will continue for one year.

Rev. Pritchett is well-known for his wide experience at the University, where he currently serves as director of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Program and senior adviser to the provost for diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Also at Seton Hall, he has served as assistant dean of the Black Studies Center, a faculty mentor in Freshman Studies, an adjunct professor in the Departments of Africana, Interdisciplinary, and Religious Studies, and program director of the Seton Hall Gospel Choir.

“Rev. Pritchett’s longstanding commitment to the program and his life’s work in the areas of civil rights and social justice make him an ideal person to guide the program through this time of transition,” said Georita M. Frierson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

As someone who has inspired generations of Pirates through his roles, and has contributed greatly to many campus organizations, the University continues to embrace Rev. Pritchett as a servant leader and a pillar of the Setonian community who has helped challenge the University to be and do better.

In the role of interim director of Africana Studies, he will teach three courses per semester, including two courses in Africana Studies and one Core course. In addition, he will continue to oversee the University’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day one-credit symposium and other MLK events.

“I am looking forward to strengthening Africana Studies at Seton Hall as interim director,” Rev. Pritchett said. “This position can help expand the profile of Africana Studies at the University and more fully integrate its goals and outcomes into the fabric of Seton Hall.”

Rev. Pritchett has been recognized for his leadership at Seton Hall and throughout higher education over several decades. In 2019 alone, he was honored with the American Conference on Diversity’s Humanitarian Award; the New Jersey Black Issues Convention’s Community Change Award for Education; the Faculty Achievement Award from Alpha Phi Alpha; and the Educator Impact Award by Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society.

In 2016, he became a part of the “King in Name” Advisory Board for the King Center in Atlanta. This board encompasses all projects and agencies in the United States named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That year, he also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cooperation for National and Community Service and Office of the President of the United States under President Barack Obama.

On campus, he was honored as a Seton Hall University Great Mind in 2020; received the Employee of the Year Award in 2008; earned the McQuaid Medal in 2003; and was recognized with the Faculty Pirate Pride Award in 1999-2000.

“I have been truly fortunate to benefit from Rev. Pritchett’s experience and wisdom,” said Katia Passerini, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president. “He is an unparalleled resource for our students and will be a superlative interim director.”

Categories: Education, Faith and Service