Matt Carotenuto
Piskor 204
x-5456

Education: B.A. SUNY Cortland, M.A, Ph.D. Indiana University

I originally grew up outside of Albany NY. After completing a B.A. in history from SUNY Cortland, I went on to earn a Ph.D. in African history from Indiana University. My teaching and research interests are broadly defined in both African history and the experience of people of African descent around the world. At SLU I teach survey courses in African history and African studies, upper division classes on constructions of identity and conflict, and seminars on colonial and urban history. As a specialist in East Africa, I have recently published articles in Africa Today and History in Africa.  I am currently working on a book manuscript which examines the ways Africans have historically constructed their ethnic identities in 20th century Kenya.

When not in the classroom or doing research I enjoy working with students on a variety of projects. As an alumnus of SLU’s Kenya Semester Program I am an active supporter of study abroad on campus and a member of the African Studies Advisory committee. My wife Jolene and I also love the outdoors, and been known to cook African food for students on select occasions. After many years of competing I have also been involved as a volunteer wrestling coach for a number of high-school, college and community programs.