Dr. Leslie Steeves

Program Director

Senior Associate Dean, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon

I first came to Ghana on Fulbright in 1996 and have been returning ever since. Ghana is a beautiful and accessible country offering rich opportunities for media internships, research, and service projects. 2019 marks my 17th year bringing UO SOJC students to Ghana. The 2019 group promises to be a great one. It is exciting and humbling to see such a growing interest in sub-Saharan Africa at UO.

Dr. Michael “Doc” Williams

On-site adviser; Executive Director of the Aya Center

I have been working with the Media in Ghana program for several years now, and I have enjoyed my experience immensely. The quality of students who have participated in this program have been phenomenal — extremely bright, talented and creative! What I enjoy most about the program is seeing how both the student and the agencies they work for benefit from this service-learning experience. In short, everyone’s a winner, and I enjoy being involved in something this positive.

 

Senyo Ofori-Parku

Assistant Professor of Advertising

Hometown: Peki, Avetile, Ghana

I study and teach brand strategy and environmental risk communication. I believe we all are sums of our varied experiences, and helping students encounter the world outside their comfort zones is an enduring way of developing empathy and making students well-rounded professionals. So, I couldn’t turn down Leslie’s invitation to be part of this year’s study abroad to Ghana where I am originally from. I hope to learn more about “my people” in ways I have not realized in the past.