Hi my name is Dr Kevin Cokley,

and I am a full professor of Counseling Psychology

in the Department of Education and Psychology.

I also have a joint appointment in the

Department of African and African Diaspora Studies.

My research interest, is basically to look at

African American psychology broadly defined.

I am specifically interested in the factors that

impact the achievement of African American students.

There is speculation that African American students do not value school,

that they're identities are somehow oppositional to school.

My research looks at that question and challenges

the notion that black students don't value school.

In fact, I make the argument that black identity

is incredibly important for the achievement of African American students,

and so my research and teaching all examine this issue of identity and achievement

and how does it impact the achievement of African American students.

I strongly believe that my research will change the way in which

we look at African American students and their educational achievements.

I invite people to attend my classes, to read my research articles,

and book chapters on this issue of black identity

and I am a proud, proud member in the College of Education's

Department of Educational Psychology.