Dr. Florence Wakoko-Studstill is Associate Professor of Sociology, and Chair of the African Studies Program at Columbus State University.  She received her Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, in 2003.   Since then she has taught various courses in sociology, and in Women and Gender studies at Fort Valley State University, in Georgia (USA), and currently, at Columbus State University, in Georgia (USA).   Dr. Wakoko-Studstill is the author of a book on Women and Microfinance in Uganda: From Rhetoric to Empowerment.  2010. VDM.  She has co-authored several articles including a publication in the Journal of Africa Today, and has reviewed manuscripts for the Journal of Third World Studies; Journal of Culture and African Women Studies-JENdA; Educational Research and Reviews Journal; and Sage Publications.  She has collaborated on a number of grants including a USDE consortia grant for developing online Certificate in African Studies in Georgia, and a USAID-HED grant for Capacity building in Management of Transboundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses in East Africa Columbus State Part of New Effort to Mitigate Global Pandemic Threat. Dr. Wakoko serves on several Consultative Councils and Advisory Board of Directors including, Inzu Ya Masaba Cultural Council, Consultative Council of the Anglican Communion Office at the United Nations, Africa Council of the University System of Georgia, Advisory Board, Institute of Ministry & Theological Education, Episcopal Dioceses of Atlanta, Advisory Board, Habitat for Humanity-Fort Valley, and One Columbus, Bridge-Builders Mayor’s Commission on Diversity. In 2001, Dr. Wakoko and a group of others founded the North America Masaba Cultural Association (NAMCA) (www.namca.us), a philanthropic organization focused on improving the lives of the people of Bugisu, (Uganda), through education, cultural enrichment, and economic entrepreneurship.  She is the past Chairperson of the Board of Directors of NAMCA, and she currently serves as a member of the Founders Council. Prof Earns Award for Promoting African Studies