Desktop News | October 2023

In August 2021, Noah Oladele embarked on a journey from Nigeria to the United States, where he pursued a master’s degree in composition, rhetoric and English studies (CRES) within the department of English at The University of Alabama.  

On the memorable day of May 5th, 2023, Oladele eagerly joined his fellow graduates, awaiting the moment when his name would be called, marking the culmination of his two-year academic adventure at the University. With his certificate in hand, he stepped proudly across the stage, symbolizing the successful conclusion of this chapter. Today, Oladele stands as a first-year Ph.D. student at New York University’s department of media, culture and communication. 

For Oladele, an international student, this achievement was no small feat. His journey from UA graduate to what his friends affectionately call an “NYU baby” was a challenging and rewarding endeavor that began with a single decision: applying to UA’s CRES program. Oladele was drawn to UA by the program’s unique blend of research opportunities and the esteemed faculty members who nurtured it.  

Explaining his choice, Oladele said, “Because I have interdisciplinary research interests, I was looking at programs that would give me the liberty to express my diverse interests, then a good friend of mine told me about The University of Alabama. I saw the work that some of the faculty members in CRES were doing. I was blown away by their work, so I decided to apply to the CRES program. The CRES program turned out to be the perfect choice for me.”   

Beyond academic excellence, Oladele received support from UA at both departmental and college levels. He discovered his talent for writing and performance art during his time at the University and was even invited to participate in two exhibitions, aided by UA’s provision of grants for his projects. 

“I excelled academically because I had wonderful, understanding teachers,” expressed Oladele. “They were there for me whenever I needed them.” 

Throughout his journey, Oladele was an active participant in various organizations, such as the African Students Association and the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice. These involvements provided him with insights into American culture and life in Tuscaloosa. 

As Oladele takes on his new roles as a doctoral student and an adjunct professor at NYU, his deep gratitude for the instrumental role UA played in shaping his academic journey shines brightly.