Historian takes lead role

A Contra Costa College historian, professor, lecturer and friend to many has taken a giant leap in the area of social sciences.

Professor Manu Ampim, formerly the coordinator of the college's history program for the past four years, was recently appointed the new chairman for the social sciences department, which includes subjects like sociology, psychology, economics, political science and history.

Former chairman J. Vern Cromartie will continue to teach sociology, as well as head the Umoja Program.

One of Ampim's colleagues said that this move is going to be beneficial to the CCC students.

"This assignment will be wonderful for the students," Athletic Director John Wade said. "(Ampim) works well with the students while also raising the bar, meeting his and their expectations. I am elated that he can impact the campus community all the way around. It's a win-win situation."  

Ampim's education includes a bachelor of science degree in business management and a master of arts in history, both from Morgan State University in Baltimore. Additionally, he said he will complete his doctorate work in history sometime in the future.

In addition to his chair position, Ampim will continue his teaching in the classroom. Current classes taught are United States History, offered as History 120 and 121; California History, offered as History 124 (offered in the spring); and African Civilization, offered as History 110.

Ampim began at CCC in the fall of 2006 and taught African-American studies at Merritt College. He also focused much of his attention on his independent research through his business, Advancing the Research (ATR).

Through ATR, Ampim conducts research, publishes material, makes presentations, conducts workshops, and leads educational tours. He is also a member of the Curriculum Instruction Committee (CIC) where he has served for more than 18 months.

Ampim has a special relationship with many of his students who benefit from his teachings beyond the classroom.

"I met professor Ampim in the fall of 2009 where he taught History 120, and I have also had the opportunity to work with him in ASU events," ASU President Joseph Camacho said. "Significant to my life was the transition that occurred at that time. He was the catalyst that thrust me into the area I want to now major in, which is American government and history. His class was a good learning environment for me."

Camacho also said that he hopes his children will meet someone like Ampim in their future.

There are many areas of opportunity involved in the social sciences department. Ampim addressed some of the key areas he would like to focus on in the next three months to make the department run smoothly.

"What the job entails is the coordination of schedules for the disciplines; addressing student concerns; finding replacements for professors who are out on leave; ensuring part-timers have office space; ensuring everyone knows the policies and are adhering to them; providing feedback to see where there needs to be adjustments; and ensuring they (professors) are on top of what they should be teaching, as stated on their syllabus," Ampim said.

He also said that for departments to function effectively and serve students to the best of their ability, faculty and staff need to be on the same page and embrace the same standards.

For those that know Ampim well, his leadership in achieving these goals can be seen through the skills he has already demonstrated.

African-American studies department Chairwoman Carolyn Hodge knew him before coming to CCC.

"When I saw professor Ampim speaking at a conference, I was impressed with his knowledge, his passion and his thoroughness of subjects," Hodge said.  "When the position opened up for a full-time history professor, Manu applied and I'm happy he did." She said Ampim is truly a historian, a researcher who loves history and one who finds authentic information.

"He brings a new perspective to a matter and is very good at details, as well as a person of integrity," Hodge said. "With having leadership over the largest department on campus, we are fortunate to have him. He will do quite well."

Not only will Ampim lead social sciences and teach classes, but he will also continue to work in the other areas he focuses in. Those areas include the speaking engagements, leading workshops, his field research and writing his book. To help him remain focused and organized, he said he has a plan to accomplish them all.

"My strategy is to be available remotely — by cell phone and e-mail," Ampim said, "My focus is to keep in front of all of the other things that I have to do. I believe if you are organized up front, it will save you headaches down the road."

Ampim said that having a degree in business management has helped him manage and organize, as he uses these skills with the staff to ensure that everyone is synchronized.

He takes off in the summers and lead trips to places such as Egypt and other parts of Africa. The next trip is scheduled for 2011 to Ethiopia for 13 days, beginning May 31 through June 12, with Egypt following for two weeks in June.

"I would like to expose more students to the field trips, as well as be able to travel to other parts of the states such as Washington, D.C. or Virginia to study the local monuments," Ampim said. "When I travel, I am always looking for opportunities for students. It has not been easy."

He has already made an impact and is looking forward to positive connections with students and colleagues.

"I am excited about this new opportunity and looking forward to working with all of my colleagues and hopefully inspiring them to be here and serve the students," Ampim said.

Contact Cassandra Juniel at cjuniel.advocate@gmail.com.