Dr. Zekeh Gbotokuma: New Full Professor and Award-Winning Author at Morgan State University

From Assistant to Full Professor: Dr. Zekeh Gbotokuma's Journey

In a momentous announcement, Dr. Zekeh Gbotokuma has been promoted to Full Professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Morgan State University, effective Fall 2025. In a congratulatory letter dated March 14, 2025, President David Wilson recognized Dr. Gbotokuma's significant contributions in the realms of teaching, research, and service to the university.

This promotion is often compared to an Olympic Gold Medal in academics, as it symbolizes the highest achievement for faculty members who have shown sustained excellence in various critical areas. The path to becoming a Full Professor entails a rigorous journey through the academic ranks, progressing from Instructor to Assistant Professor and then to Associate Professor.

Dr. Gbotokuma submitted his application for Full Professor in September 2024, after experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the Paris 2024 Olympics Inauguration and attending the XXVth World Congress of Philosophy in Rome. His journey from Assistant to Associate Professor was relatively smooth, primarily due to his dedication and contributions as the director of the Center for Global Studies. However, the transition to Full Professor presented its own set of challenges.

Over his ten years directing the Center while teaching, Dr. Gbotokuma found it increasingly challenging to commit the time necessary for publishing and conducting in-depth research. Factors such as poor documentation, missed deadlines, and insufficient preparation time for his application dossier contributed to previous unsuccessful attempts to achieve Full Professorship. Learning from these experiences proved invaluable, redefining his approach as he sought this prestigious position.

An essential milestone in Dr. Gbotokuma's journey was his authorship of the critically acclaimed book, OBAMANOMICS AND FRANCISCONOMICS, which won multiple international literary awards. His work is widely recognized for advocating poverty alleviation, fairness, and welfare, making significant contributions to philosophical discussions.

Dr. Gbotokuma attributes his success not solely to his hard work but also to the collective support from families, colleagues, and mentors who aided him throughout his career. He expresses gratitude towards esteemed professors such as Bokamba Eyamba, Henry Louis Gates, V.Y. Mudimbe, and John Murungi, whose recommendation letters helped elevate his candidacy for the professorship. Additionally, he acknowledges the committees and leaders at Morgan State University, including the College of Liberal Arts, whose positive recommendations led to President Wilson’s final decision to grant him this honor.

Firmly believing in the African proverb, “I am because we are,” Dr. Gbotokuma acknowledges the importance of community in his achievements. His wife, Madeleine, also receives special thanks for her support.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and having studied in Europe, Dr. Gbotokuma is a multifaceted individual, often described as a cosmopolitan scholar, globetrotter, polyglot, and lexicographer. His work is recognized as pivotal in the African Intellectual Revolution. He has been acknowledged in various influential lists, including AFRO's WHO'S WHO IN BLACK BALTIMORE 2025 and as a recipient of several prestigious awards such as the Dr. Sandye Jean McIntyre, II International Award.

Ultimately, Dr. Gbotokuma's success story reflects a blend of personal perseverance and communal support, emblematic of the collective nature of achievement in academia. His journey exemplifies the true essence of academic excellence, inspiring many as he forges ahead into this new chapter of his professional life.