News

A decade after he left the College, Rev. Charles Oduke, Ph.D. has returned to Le Moyne to serve in the new position of assistant for diversity initiatives and adjunct professor of philosophy. In this role, Father Oduke will be involved with a number of activities on both the academic and student development areas.

Academically, in addition to teaching two philosophy courses, he will also serve as associate director of the Hetterich Center in the Madden School of Business, where he will help foster a sense of global citizenship among our students. He will be a facilitator for the Dolphins in Dialogue program to work with faculty to increase engagement in the program and also serve as a member of the Provost's Diversity Council.

On the student development side, Father Oduke will work in Inclusive Excellence and Global Education to develop a men of color mentoring program and advise two student cultural clubs. He will also work as a case manager for up to 30 Pell Grant students, work to support the spiritual development of students of color from Christian and other faith traditions, and serve as a resident chaplain.

"We are blessed that Father Oduke has rejoined the Le Moyne family," said Provost Joe Marina S.J. "In addition to his work as a faculty member, he brings a worldview to our campus that will enrich all members of our community."

"Father Oduke is a man of many talents and his experience will allow him to be a valuable resource for our students as we continue to expand our diversity efforts," said Deb Cady Melzer, vice president for student development.

Father Oduke has lived and worked in half a dozen African countries, India, and the Arab speaking world. He was part of the team that established Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), a new state-sponsored public university in Bondo, Kenya, where he has just finished a four year term as dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and also served as chaplain to the Catholic students and staff. Prior to JOOUST, from 2008 to 2011 he was an assistant professor of philosophy at Boston College and from 2005 to 2008 he was an assistant professor of philosophy at Le Moyne. He received a bachelor of arts in theology from Hekima College in Nairobi, his doctorate in philosophy from Boston College, and is a specialist in Lonergan studies.

"When I was approached about the possibility of returning to Le Moyne, I jumped at the chance," said Father Oduke. "I have enjoyed reengaging with all my colleagues here and also becoming involved with students in a much different way than just being in the classroom."