Northwestern’s graduate program in African history was ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report.

African Studies thrives at NU because of its long-running history and campus resources, said Jeffrey Rice, NU history professor.

The Program of African Studies, founded by Melville J. Herskovits in 1948, was one of the first of its kind in the nation.

Rice, who received the first undergraduate certificate in African Studies in 1972, said student interest has allowed the program to grow since its inception.

“At the present time, I think that NU students are moreinterested in Africa than in the past, in part because there’s a very rich culture,” he said.

This culture is complemented by an extensive collection of African material available on campus, Rice said.

The Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies has achieved national recognition since it opened in 1954, said David Easterbrook, the library department head.

“The comprehensiveness of the library collections plays a prominent role on campus,” said Easterbrook, who added that the resources support graduate student research and attract distinguished scholars.

In addition to history, students have the opportunity to take African studies courses in departments like anthropology and political science. Engaged students allow the programs to prosper, Rice said.

“There’s a kind of energy that exists in African studies courses,” he said. “I put a large percentage-if not blame-of the success on the students.”- Jessica Allen