Faculty Profile – Dr. Mary Nyangweso
AIM FOR THE STARS
Dr. Mary Nyangweso came to ECU from east Africa and tells her students to pursue their ambitions and be open to diverse forms of knowledge.
By Lacey L. Gray
Dr. Mary Nyangweso came to East Carolina University and the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences in May 2008. She is an associate professor and the J. Woolard and Helen Peel Distinguished Professor in Religious Studies; director of the Religious Studies Program, housed in Harriot College’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies; and an affiliate faculty member of the college’s African and African American Studies Program.
Nyangweso was born in Eldoret, Kenya, in eastern Africa, and grew up in Luanda, a city in Vihiga province of Kenya. She earned her Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya (’88), and her Master of Philosophy in religion from Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya (’92).
In 1998, Nyangweso decided to continue her education in the United States to study liberation theology at Emory University.
“I considered it an eye-opening experience and have been here ever since,” Nyangweso said.
She received her Master of Theology from Emory University in 2000, and then attended Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, where she received her Master of Philosophy degree in sociology (’02) and her doctoral degree (’04).
Her areas of research include religion, gender and social equality, with a general focus on Africa and the African diaspora. She said she enjoys teaching ECU’s African religions, religion and gender, and religion and sexuality classes.
“My advice to students is aim for the stars and not let anyone or anything get in the way of their dreams. They should know that life is what they make of it and that they have it in their power to shape their future,” Nyangweso said. “Also, they should be open to new ideas and diverse forms of knowledge. Learn to integrate your major with other forms of knowledge, especially that about Africa. African knowledge systems are rich, and they inform who we are today, globally. Be an ambassador for the African continent.”
As a final bit of advice to her students, Nyangweso said: “Pursue your ambition and gravitate toward positive people and positive experiences, as negativity detracts from success. And finally, do not forget where you came from. Be mindful of the communities that shaped you. Engage them and empower the youth in these communities toward promoting some form of positive change.”
For additional information about Nyangweso, visit her website.
QUICK QUIZ
Last thing I watched on TV: News about COVID-19 and the shortage of vaccines
First job: After high school, before beginning college, I worked as a general clerk at Muhoroni Sugar Industries.
Guilty pleasure: Chocolate.
Favorite meal: Ugali—a type of maize flour porridge
One thing most people don’t know about me: I am passionate about empowering young girls to aim higher in life.