Faculty Profile: Dr. Igolima Amachree
Dr. Igolima T. D. Amachree was the first faculty member of color hired at Western Illinois University in 1965. A native of Nigeria, Dr. Amachree earned a degree in Economics in England before coming to the United States to study Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Psychology at Michigan State University. After one year at WIU, Dr. Amachree returned to Michigan State to complete his doctoral degree in Sociology from Michigan State University, which he completed in 1967.
Dr. Amachree returned to Western Illinois University in 1970, where he was still the only faculty of color. Within one year, he was named chairperson for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, a position he held for ten years. Under his leadership, the department added a program in Social Work. In addition, Dr. Amachree was involved in the development of the African American Studies Department.
Since the 1980s, Dr. Amachree has worked with international agencies such as the World Bank. His work with the World Bank focused on economic assistance on developing nations in Africa. In 1981, Dr. Amachree was involved in drafting the new Liberian constitution following a military takeover. He also served as an advisor to the National Transitional Government of Liberia in 2003. His brother-in-law, Gyude Bryant, led the National Transitional Government in Liberia until free elections were held in 2005.
Dr. Amachree brought his personal and research experience into the classroom, providing students with an international perspective that made him a respected and outstanding teacher. Each semester, Dr. Amachree writes a personal letter to each student who receives an “A” in his courses, praising them for their achievement and encourages them to extend their excellence into all parts of their lives.
Dr. Amachree will retire this December after 40 years of service to his students, our department, and the University.
From his students: Tim Hallinan (BA 1995), Director of Annual Giving at Western Illinois University, recently reflected on the long term impact of Dr. Amachree on his career: “I received excellent advising from Dr. Amachree and credit much of my professional success to his guidance.”
