Candis Smith

African American and African Diaspora Studies

Biography

Candis Driver Smith, Ph.D., is a Lecturer in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies. She earned her doctorate in English with a Certificate in African Studies from Michigan State University. Prior to coming to IU, Smith conducted research on sociolinguistic issues in East Africa, taught English language/composition to students in the U.S. and abroad, and served as an English Language Fellow with the U.S. Department of State in Namibia. Her current teaching and research interests include Black women in Diaspora, language and identity in African/Diaspora populations, and Black migration; her most recent project centers on diversity and inclusion within undergraduate classrooms and curricula. Smith joined the Office of Diversity and Inclusion as a Faculty Fellow in August 2021. Through continued deep dialogue and listening among IU community members, she seeks to promote a more inclusive and equitable campus climate.