The Center for African American Studies at Princeton University has granted certificates in African American Studies to 37 students in the Class of 2013. Students who earned a certificate in African American Studies have taken the opportunity to study African American history and culture and the role that race has played in shaping the life and the institutions of the United States.

Professor Alexandra T. Vazquez has published her first book entitled, "Listening in Detail: Performances of Cuban Music (Refiguring American Music)" through Duke University Press.

Next fall, CAAS is offering 11 seminars and/or lectures including AAS 201: Introduction to the Study of African American Cultural Practices. In addition, we will be offering a new lecture taught by Professor Alexandra Vazquez AAS 412: Cultures of the Afro-Diaspora, and a new seminar AAS 327: Blackness in the Early Modern Atlantic World to be taught by Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts Postdoctoral Fellow in Race and Ethnicity Studies Larissa Brewer-Garcia.

In addition to taking AAS 201, which will be offered this spring, undergraduates seeking a certificate in African American studies must take five additional courses or seminars either originating in the center, or formally cross-listed by it. Students who fulfill all of the requirements of the program will receive a certificate in African American studies upon graduation.

Christopher L. Eisgruber, Princeton's provost for the past nine years, has been named the University's 20th president, effective July 1. He succeeds Shirley M. Tilghman, who announced her intention to step down after completing 12 years in office. Eisgruber was appointed on the unanimous and enthusiastic recommendation of a 17-member search committee following a six-month search.