Faculty Friday: Olusola Adesope

#FacultyFriday w/ Sola Adesope — Feb. 25, 2022

Faculty role: Professor — Educational Psychology
Administrator role: Associate Dean for Research and External Funding
Location: WSU Pullman

Why did you choose to do what you do?

Over two decades ago, as a technology coordinator, I led the development of multimedia resources at the University of Wisconsin. I saw first-hand how American students learned with some of the educational materials we developed and many of those students became experts. I reflected deeply on the immense power of education to transform young people’s lives and make them key contributors to their societies. I then prayerfully decided to move from my technology field to education or maybe I should say I decided to study how technology can be used to advance education or learning.

What has been your favorite thing about WSU, as well as the College of Education?

When I think about WSU and the College of Education specifically, I am always in awe of the beauty of our campuses especially the Pullman campus. I love the great buildings, the landscapes, the quiet peaceful intellectual environments but most importantly, the people at WSU and the College of Education actually make it a great place to work and study.

What responsibility comes with working for a land-grant university? Why is being a land-grant special?

I like the land-grant mission and it comes with a great responsibility for us to ensure access to education for all in the state and to ensure we engage and provide service to citizens in our state and beyond. So I am always thinking about how products from my research can benefit people across the state.

If you could improve one thing about WSU, what would it be?

It will be good to work together with our great university leaders to improve the number of African faculty and staff on the Pullman campus and to enhance town-gown opportunities that can attract many faculty and staff of color to the Pullman area.

What makes you an Agent of Change?

My wife and I open our home and our hearts to students and colleagues who need support. For example pre-COVID, we usually host Thanksgiving dinners for scores of students (mostly international students) who remain in Pullman for the Thanksgiving break. Sometimes, we have had about 50 students in our home for Thanksgiving. I believe we can be agents of change when people know we truly care about them.

February is Black History Month. Why is this important to you? And why should it be important to others who are not Black?

I love February not only because it is Black History month but because I was born in February:). Regardless, I think every month (including February) should be a month where we show love and respect for one another regardless of our race and color.

Faculty Friday: Olusola Adesope

#FacultyFriday w/ Sola Adesope — Feb. 25, 2022

Favorites