Dr. Colin Lasu selected for Fulbright-Hays OHIO Ghana Program

Dr. Colin Lasu, Assistant Professor of Communications at Central State University, has been selected as one of two faculty members for the prestigious Ohio University (OHIO) Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad. This federally funded initiative provides faculty, students, and educators with a four-week immersive experience in Ghana, West Africa, from June to July 2025. 

As part of OHIO’s “Transnational African and African Diaspora Identities” project, Dr. Lasu will participate in an extensive program that includes 10 hours of Akan/Twi language training to enhance linguistic and cultural understanding and visits to historically significant sites such as Cape Coast’s slave castles and Kumasi’s Ashanti heritage landmarks. Additionally, the program features collaborations with Ghanaian educators, scholars, and communities to exchange knowledge and perspectives. 

The program’s key objectives are to foster curriculum development, strengthen cultural exchange, and promote professional growth by integrating West African perspectives into U.S. classrooms. 

“This Fulbright-Hays experience will transform my teaching and research and empower students to engage with the world through a more inclusive, globally attuned lens,” Dr. Lasu said. 

A transformative learning experience 

Dr. Lasu is particularly excited about the opportunity to engage directly with Ghanaian communities and scholars, deepening his understanding of African diaspora identities. His participation will focus on: 

• Documenting oral histories by working with local families to preserve narratives often excluded from Western curricula. 
• Forging academic partnerships by exploring collaborations with Ghanaian institutions such as Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. 
• Advancing language skills through immersion in the Twi/Akan language to enhance cross-cultural communication research. 

“The unique learning opportunities that the immersive experience in Ghana offers are what excite me most,” the professor said. “The chance to engage directly with Ghanaian communities and scholars is truly energizing."

"The program's blend of historical inquiry, such as slave trade legacies, and contemporary issues, such as human trafficking NGOs, offers a multidimensional lens for understanding transnational identities.” 

Enhancing the communication curriculum at Central State University 

Upon his return, Dr. Lasu plans to incorporate his experiences into Central State’s communication courses, such as Principles of Electronic Media and Introduction to Mass Communication. Students will benefit from case studies using real-world examples from Ghanaian NGOs, media organizations, and historical sites; diaspora connections, examining Ghana’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on African American identity; and global competence while learning about West African media systems, storytelling traditions, and bilingual communication practices. 

“To challenge Eurocentric frameworks, I will integrate case studies on Ghanaian communication styles such as proverbs and dance into my courses,” Dr. Lasu said, adding that he believes cultural exchange is foundational to education. He aims to introduce guest lectures, collaborative workshops, and student-led projects based on his fieldwork in Ghana. 

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Lasu hopes to contribute to global scholarship through publications on transnational media practices, exploring how Ghanaian oral traditions influence digital storytelling and identity formation. His advocacy for institutional partnerships with West African universities aligns with Central State’s pursuit of broadening global perspectives and fostering cross-cultural engagement. 

For more information about the Ohio University Fulbright-Hays Ghana Program, visit OHIO Ghana Program.