Dwight A. Mcbride

Introduction

Dwight A. McBride is a highly accomplished academic and administrator with a prominent career in English and African American Studies. He began his academic journey at Princeton University, where he earned an AB in English and a Certificate in African American Studies. His passion for literature and cultural studies led him to continue his education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he obtained both a Master of Arts and a PhD in English.

Academic and Professional Experience

McBride's professional career is marked by a series of influential roles at various prestigious institutions. His early career included positions as an Assistant Professor in English and African American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Illinois at Chicago. His leadership capabilities quickly became apparent, leading him to serve as the Head of the Department of African American Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

In 2002, McBride moved to Northwestern University, where he held several key positions, including Chair of the Department of African American Studies, Dean of The Graduate School, and Daniel Hale Williams Professor of African American Studies, English, and Performance Studies. During his tenure at Northwestern, he took a research leave to become the Mellon Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence at the American Antiquarian Society.

McBride's career continued to ascend as he joined Emory University in 2017. At Emory, he served as the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of African American Studies and Distinguished Professor of English. He was also the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs-Elect. In 2020, McBride took on the significant role of President and University Professor at The New School in New York, a position he held until August 2023.

Involvement in Organizations and Boards

Throughout his career, McBride has been actively involved in various organizations and boards.

• He served as a trustee at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, the Institute of International Education, and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.
• He is also a Fellow at the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Antiquarian Society.

Current Roles

Currently, McBride holds several pivotal roles at Washington University in St. Louis, including Senior Advisor to the Chancellor and the Gerald Early Distinguished Professor. He is slated to become the Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, & Equity in July 2024. Additionally, he serves as a Board Director at Con Edison in New York and an Advisory Council Member for Princeton University’s Program in Gender & Sexuality Studies.

Expertise and Recognition

McBride's expertise is wide-ranging, covering academic advising, curriculum development, writing, editing, publishing, and volunteer management. He has also earned recognition for his skills in executive compensation planning and risk management. His dedication to diversity, equity, and educational advancement has made him a respected figure in higher education and nonprofit organizations. His work continues to inspire and influence many in the fields of literature, cultural studies, and academic leadership.