Academic

Professor Profile:

by DANNY DOUAIRE

This past week, the Newswire had the opportunity to sit down with Ghanaian-born Dr. Ebenezer Ayesu. Ayesu is professor of African History here at Xavier University and will be returning to Ghana at the end of this semester.

Xavier Newswire: What did you do before you came to Xavier?

  • Ebenezer Ayesu: Let me take you back to Ghana where I was receiving my Bachelors degree at the University of Ghana. Once I did that, I came to the United States in 2006 and began working to get my doctorate at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. I came to Xavier last August.
  • XN: Of the many cultural differences between Ghana and the United States, which do you find the most shocking?
  • EA: I would say the weather. It is far too cold here, and in 1998 I spent three months in Norway writing and I would say that it was very cold there as well. Apart from that I do not see many negative differences in culture here in the United States. In a positive light there is a lot of diversity in the United States
  • .XN: What do you miss most about Ghana?
  • EA: I miss my family a lot. I also miss the open society in Ghana. It was not as formal as it is here; if I needed someone in that building over there I could open the window and call out to them and they would talk to me.
  • XN: What type of music do you listen to?
  • EA: I listen to a lot of reggae and gospel music and, back in Ghana, we listen to a style of music called “high life.”
  • XN: Besides English, do you speak any other languages?
  • EA: Yes, I speak Twi or Akan. I also speak Ga, which is the official language of Accra, the capital of Ghana. I took French in high school but I did not fare well in that language. [Laughter]
  • XN: Have you become accustomed to any new foods since you have lived in America?
  • EA: I try very hard to stay away from all the fatty foods, but I like to eat Mid-Eastern and Mexican foods. I also am a pretty good cook so I make Ghanaian meals a lot.
  • XN: What is your favorite part about Xavier?
  • EA: The welcoming atmosphere of the students and the faculty is what I love most of all. It was not too hard to transition into this place. Also, the students treat you with a lot more respect than at some other places.