Grace Adinku Honored With Adair Advisor Of The Year For Her Service To African Graduate Students Association
The Adair awards, given by the Department of Student Activities in the Division of Student Affairs, honor exemplary student organizations and advisors.
Grace Adinku, Ph.D., senior lecturer in the Theatre and Performance and Visual Studies programs, was recently awarded the 2026 Adair Advisor of the Year award for her service to the African Graduate Students Association.
The Adair Awards, given by the Department of Student Activities in the Division of Student Affairs in the spring, honor exemplary student organizations and advisors. Advisors receive funds for their organization, and a year-long membership to the Century Club, sponsored by the Association of Former Students.
Adinku has served as an advisor to the African Graduate Students Association since it began in 2023. The organization aims to assist African graduate students in adapting to the college experience by providing resources, networking opportunities and support.
“I feel deeply honored and genuinely humbled,” Adinku said. “It’s affirming to be recognized for work that I care so deeply about. This recognition is truly a shared achievement as it reflects the dedication, resilience and vision of the students I have the privilege to work with.”
Through her own experience as a graduate student at Texas A&M — where she received her Master of Arts in Performance Studies in 2020 — Adinku said she wanted to help provide a supportive community for African graduate students. She said she hoped to foster connection, cultural affirmation and professional growth.
Adinku consulted with Ifeoluwa Atokileso, an active member of the African graduate student community, and encouraged graduate students to take the lead in forming the group. Once it was established, they invited Adinku to serve as advisor.
“It has been a deeply rewarding experience to support the growth of the organization, mentor student leaders and help cultivate a strong sense of community and belonging among African graduate students on campus,” Adinku said.
Her role includes helping African students through such challenges as adjusting to unfamiliar academic systems, cultural transitions and utilizing campus support.
“This is true for many international students, but the impact can be especially pronounced for African students,” she said. “I take an active interest in helping them navigate these barriers to improve retention, well-being and graduation outcomes.”
Adinku said she provides proactive advising by reaching out to students early and often. She works alongside student leaders to support program development and guide their academic and professional growth. In 2025, she helped create an inaugural conference for the association.
“What I enjoy most is witnessing the growth of the students, their confidence, leadership and sense of purpose,” she said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them create impact, support one another and thrive both academically and professionally. I am happiest when African students feel included, supported and able to stay on track academically and in their personal lives.”
The Adair awards recognize groups that have demonstrated innovation, embodied the Aggie Spirit and developed leaders of character. Adinku said those attributes align with the objectives of the African Graduate Students Association.
“Africans have deep communal roots, and African students have an instinctive understanding of values that align beautifully with the Aggie Spirit,” Adinku said. “The work of this organization consistently demonstrates innovation, builds a community that extends beyond campus and actively fosters leadership among its members.”
