Goodwin University is pleased to announce the induction of an esteemed faculty member into the North Star Collective Fellowship — Dr. Ebenezer Afarikumah of Goodwin University.

The North Star Collective (NSC) is a group of colleges and universities in the New England region, with a noble mission to support Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) on their respective campuses. The NSC works toward an overall goal of racial equity amongst those in academia, providing fellows with a tight-knit community as well as opportunities to successfully move forward in their careers.

The fellowship is a semester-long initiative that establishes a community of BIPOC faculty from predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Goodwin University and University of Bridgeport, our partner school, are proud to be listed amongst the institutions collaborating with the North Star Collective, working toward a necessary change in academia.

North Star Collective creates opportunities

Founded in 2021 as part of the New England Board of Higher Education, The North Star Collective derived its name from a few different historically significant sources — both “The North Star”, an antislavery newspaper published by Frederick Douglass, and the actual North Star in the sky, considered a beacon of hope in guiding enslaved Africans and African Americans toward freedom.

The North Star Collective has a dual mission: empowering college leaders to drive racial equity within their institutions (through institutional programming) and fostering a supportive environment where BIPOC faculty can thrive (through the faculty fellowship). Both Goodwin University and University of Bridgeport, as well as their respective faculty member fellows, are committed to effectively putting the North Star mission into practice.

Meet Dr. Ebenezer Afarikumah

Dr. Ebenezer Afarikumah is both the program director and assistant professor of Business Administration within the School of Business, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing (BTAM) at Goodwin University.

Dr. Afarikumah joined the Goodwin University community as a program director and assistant professor in May of 2022. He came to Goodwin with an extensive background as a researcher, instructor, entrepreneur, and business IT professional both in Ghana and the United States.

Afarikumah began his higher education at the University of Ghana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Statistics and a master’s in Business Administration. During his education, Afarikumah became very interested in data collections and, more particularly, in helping hospitals develop electronic database systems for managing patient medical records. This led to his doctoral degree work in Information Technology at the Open University of Malaysia.

Afarikumah has a passion for making healthcare available to people in remote areas, especially connecting them to specialists through technology. “That is something that I’m so excited about — to make sure we deploy technology for the benefit of humanity.”

Partner school inducts faculty member

Our partner institution, University of Bridgeport, also inducted a distinguished faculty member into the collective — Dr. Seokyoung Kang, an expert in entomology and parasitology. Dr. Kang’s research focuses on insect immune systems and developing early detection methods for mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses. After growing up and beginning his education in South Korea, Dr. Kang made Connecticut his home and dedicated his expertise to combating the state’s growing insect-borne disease problem.

North Star Collective provides comprehensive career support

The North Star Collective Fellowship stands out in the fight for racial equity in higher education. Unlike simple diversity initiatives, this program champions reparative justice for BIPOC faculty in predominantly white institutions (PWIs).

The fellowship equips BIPOC faculty with professional development opportunities while simultaneously fostering a supportive community. Through writing retreats, mentorship, and collaboration, fellows gain the tools and confidence to navigate the often-challenging PWI environment. Additionally, the program creates a safe space for open dialogue and shared experiences, combating potential feelings of isolation.

This empowered network of BIPOC faculty creates a ripple effect. Fellows are encouraged to become agents of change, advocating for inclusive curriculum and practices. This systemic shift towards inclusivity paves the way for a more equitable learning environment for all, dismantling the historical marginalization and building a brighter future for academia.

Become a part of the collective

The North Star Collective Fellowship is a guiding light for BIPOC faculty members, illuminating them on their paths toward success. Both Dr. Afarikumah and Dr. Kang encourage their fellow professors and college leaders to apply.

If you or anyone you know is interested in applying to the fellowship, stay up to date on their website regarding news. The application is typically announced and opened in the fall, and interested parties may join a virtual information session before submitting themselves.