Stephanie Shonekan

Stephanie Shonekan is Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and Professor of Ethnomusicology at the University of Maryland. She previously served as Chair of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts (2018–2020) and Senior Associate Dean at the University of Missouri (2020). Her academic career includes roles at Columbia College Chicago (2003–2011) and the University of Missouri (2011–2018), where she developed programs like Citizenship@Mizzou and The Huddle to foster inclusion and support underrepresented faculty.

Shonekan holds a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology and Folklore from Indiana University (2003). Her research explores intersections of identity, history, and music, with focuses on Afrobeat, Nigerian and African American hip-hop, soul music, and country music. Notable publications include Black Resistance in the Americas (2018) and Black Lives Matter & Music (2018).

Her award-winning short film Lioness of Lisabi (based on Fela Kuti's mother) highlights her interdisciplinary work. She actively bridges academic leadership with community engagement through initiatives addressing diversity in higher education.