Dr Anne Rotich serves as the Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Department of African American and African Studies at the University of Virginia. She also directs the UVA in Kenya study abroad program and the Swahili and Malagasy Language Programs.

Dr. Rotich earned her Ph.D. in Social Studies and Global Education from The Ohio State University, where she also completed dual master’s degrees in African American and African Studies and Social Studies and Global Education. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Literature and Linguistics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Her published works and research interests are in African Literatures and cultures, Social Studies Education, and Swahili Studies and particularly best practices in teaching Swahili to second language learners. Her most recent research explores the challenges faced by displaced African refugee immigrants in the U.S.. 

Dr. Rotich has received numerous individual and  collaborative pedagogical and research grants that have supported inclusion of  best practices in her classrooms as well as in her research. Her expertise has led to invitations to present at universities and conferences across the U.S. and internationally.

Passionate about community engagement, Dr. Rotich actively involves her students in collaborations with the local Swahili community and organises the  Africa Day event that brings high school students from the community to UVA for cultural and educational experience.

Teaching

Introductory Swahili (SWAH 1010 & 1020)

 Intermediate Swahili (SWAH 2010 & 2020)

Swahili Cultures and Stories (AAS 2500)

UVA Kenya: Swahili Cultures Then & Now (Study Abroad Program) (AAS 2263)

African Literatures & Cultures (AAS 2500)

Empowered Women of Africa (AAS 2760)

African Refugees, Cultures & Stories (AAS 2500)