Agriculture and Life Sciences
An Akan proverb embodied in the Adinkra symbol Okuafo Pa (“the good farmer”) says, “No matter how big your farm is, you tend it all,” calling for care and responsibility across every part of a system. At Iowa State, we honor the legacy of Norman Borlaug, whose work reshaped global food systems. Yet the Green Revolution’s limited success in Africa shows what happens when agricultural solutions overlook local knowledge, socio-economic realities, and environmental conditions. African and African American Studies helps you understand these dynamics, emphasizing diligence and community.
In doing so, we honor the legacy of botanist George Washington Carver, who reminds us, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.”
Business
As a future business leader, one of your most important responsibilities is ensuring your work is informed and meaningful to a wide range of audiences. The Adinkra symbol Bese Saka, (“a sack of cola nuts”), signifies wealth and the role of commerce in community life. It highlights that business is deeply connected to the people and societies in which it operates. This requires going beyond surface-level understanding and investing in knowledge of the histories, cultures, and lived experiences that shape consumer behavior and identities, while avoiding harmful assumptions. African and African American Studies offers essential tools and knowledge for this work.
For business students, this knowledge is not just academic; it’s practical.
Design
In Akan traditions, the spider represents wisdom and creativity, while the web reflects how ideas, people, and stories are linked. Reflecting the symbol Ananse Ntontan, (“the spider’s web”), African and African American Studies invites Design students to approach creativity through connection and purpose, encouraging you to design with intention by drawing on layered perspectives, cultural insight, and real-world impact.
Create work that is not only visually compelling but also thoughtful, socially aware, and responsive to the communities it engages.
Engineering
Engineering doesn’t happen in isolation. Every system, structure, or algorithm you design affects real people and communities. The Adinkra symbol Hwehwemudua, (“measuring stick”), represents the importance of careful evaluation and thoughtful judgment, values that matter just as much in engineering as technical skill. African and African American Studies equips you to spot biases in technologies like AI and facial recognition software, and to think critically about fairness and access in design.
Develop solutions that serve everyone more effectively while broadening your perspective.
Human Sciences
The Akan proverb “Boa me na me mmoa wo,” or “Help me and let me help you,” reflects the idea that strong communities are built through care and cooperation. African and African American Studies complements Health and Human Sciences majors by examining real-world issues such as disparities in health and education and exploring ways to support individuals and communities in meaningful, culturally responsive ways. Through hands-on learning, you’ll build career-ready skills in communication, advocacy, and community engagement. As the symbol suggests, your work is strengthened through connection and collaboration.
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Nyansapo, (“the wisdom knot”), is the Adinkra symbol for intelligence and the ability to apply knowledge with thoughtful integrity. With African and African American Studies, you strengthen the core skills at the heart of LAS through interdisciplinary insight. Learn to untangle complex issues, engage with diverse perspectives, and communicate ideas with clarity and care.
Drawing on the depth and wisdom of Nyansapo, this knowledge is both profound and practical, preparing you to apply what you learn across fields and make meaningful contributions, regardless of your career path.
School of Education
The Adinkra symbol Mate Masie means “What I hear, I keep,” representing knowledge gained through active listening, learning, and reflection. African and African American Studies encourages you to engage with histories, voices, and experiences that are often left out of traditional education courses. Like Mate Masie, the focus is not just on hearing information, but on retaining it, reflecting on it, and applying it in your future classroom. You’ll be better prepared to respond thoughtfully to students’ needs and create learning environments that benefit all children.
This perspective prepares you to educate with greater awareness, accountability, and confidence.
