University of the District of Columbia (UDC) alumnus Temitope Oke never imagined he would one day be the keynote speaker at one of the institution’s most important events. But Oke, now an assistant professor at UDC, will step into the spotlight at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 19 at the UDC Theater of the Arts. 

He likes to say he has come full circle. Oke, who graduated magna cum laude from UDC in 2017, enjoys a deep connection to the institution that first nurtured his academic pursuits. 

After graduating from UDC and starting graduate school at the University of Buffalo, Oke initially had no intention of pursuing a career in academia. “I saw professors thriving in their fields but going through it—struggling with the pressures of academia, particularly the ‘publish or perish’ mindset,” he said, “and I didn’t want that to be my story.”   

But Oke eventually found his calling while working as an adjunct professor. He realized that if he were to pursue academia, UDC was the place he wanted to be. 

As an undergraduate at UDC, Oke says the support, guidance and mentorship he received from his instructors were instrumental in helping him secure scholarships for both his master’s and Ph.D. programs. Now, as a faculty member, he is determined to offer the same opportunities to prospective social work practitioners. “I wanted to come back, and to give back, to the place where it all started,” Oke said. 

Oke’s return to UDC included an unexpected honor. During a professional development session for new faculty members, he introduced himself as a returning alumnus. 

This caught the attention of Chief Academic Officer—former College of Arts and Sciences Dean—April Massey, who remembered Oke from his time as a student. Massey suggested that he deliver the keynote speech at convocation. 

“At first, I didn’t fully grasp what it meant, but I couldn’t say no to the chief academic officer,” Oke recalled with a smile. 

The convocation speech represents continued success for Oke, who also spoke at the 2017 Commencement as senior class president. Now, as a faculty member, he is able to share his experiences from a different perspective—one rooted in his journey through UDC’s social work program and his commitment to inspiring the next generation of students. 

As a Black male professor in a field traditionally dominated by women, the importance of representation and intersectionality in social work is a central theme in his career.

“Many students, especially other Black men, are excited to see someone who looks like them in the classroom,” he explained. He emphasized how vital it is for students to have role models who reflect their own experiences and identities, as it encourages them to envision their own possibilities in the field.

Oke is deeply committed to community-based research that doesn’t only benefit the researcher but also empowers communities to take action. He emphasizes the importance of sharing research findings with the communities involved and using those findings to secure funding and implement programs that address their needs. 

“We need to bridge the gap between community and academia,” Oke said, “and to highlight the importance of collaboration in creating lasting change.” 

As UDC continues to expand its academic offerings in social work, Oke is excited to be part of an institution that is committed to training culturally competent and community-centered practitioners. According to Oke, UDC’s mission aligns perfectly with his own vision of social work: one that amplifies marginalized voices, challenges inequities and ultimately transforms communities. 

Asked what he would tell anyone considering UDC for their academic or career path, Oke said, “You can have a full-circle moment like I did. UDC is where it all started for me, and it’s one of the best places to be.”