Young's Academic and Professional Career in Performance and Arts
With a distinguished career spanning academia, authorship, and public commentary, Young has established himself as a leading voice in the study of performance and the experience of race. His work bridges the gap between rigorous scholarly research and popular culture, making complex sociological and artistic concepts accessible to a global audience.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Boston University (since January 2018).
- Academic Background: Ph.D. from Cornell, M.A. from University at Buffalo, and honors degree from Yale.
- Notable Publication: Author of seven books, including the award-winning Embodying Black Experience.
- Former Faculty: Professor and Chair of Theatre at Northwestern University (2002–2017).
- Public Presence: Featured commentator on CNN, 20/20, and Good Morning America.
Academic Leadership and Faculty Experience
Young currently serves as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Boston University, a position he assumed in January 2018. Prior to this leadership role, he spent fifteen years at Northwestern University from 2002 to 2017. During his tenure there, he served as Professor and Chair of Theatre.
His interdisciplinary approach is reflected in his various academic appointments, which included African American Studies, Performance Studies, and Radio/Television/Film. Notably, Young gained public attention in November 2017 following the announcement of Megan Markle's marriage to Prince Harry, as he had previously taught Markle during her time at Northwestern.
Contributions to Literature and Research
Young's scholarly contributions are extensive, with seven published books to his credit. His work Embodying Black Experience received significant critical acclaim, winning "Book of the Year" awards from both the American Society for Theatre Research and the National Communication Association.
In 2021, he expanded his editorial contributions by co-editing Theatre After Empire alongside Megan Geigner. His research on the performance and experience of race has been widely cited in academic journals and profiled in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Public Commentary and Board Service
Beyond the classroom, Young is a recognized commentator on popular culture. His insights have been featured in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and People, as well as on major television networks including CNN, 20/20, and Good Morning America.
His commitment to the arts is further evidenced by his leadership roles. He served as President of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education and has held trustee or board member positions for several organizations, including the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago, the Yale Club of Chicago, and the American Society for Theatre Research.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Yale (Honors), University at Buffalo (M.A.), Cornell (Ph.D.) |
| Fellowships | Harvard and Stanford |
| Key Books | Embodying Black Experience, Theatre After Empire (Ed.) |
| Major Institutions | Boston University, Northwestern University |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Young's current professional role?
Young is the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Boston University, a role he has held since January 2018.
Which books has Young authored or edited?
He has published seven books, most notably the award-winning Embodying Black Experience and the 2021 edited collection Theatre After Empire.
Where did Young complete his higher education?
Young graduated with honors from Yale, earned a Master of Arts from the University at Buffalo, and completed his Ph.D. at Cornell.
What is Young's connection to Megan Markle?
Young was a faculty member at Northwestern University during the time Megan Markle attended the institution, and he served as one of her teachers.
In which media outlets has Young appeared as a commentator?
He has appeared on CNN, 20/20, and Good Morning America, and has been featured in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and People.