Sonia Brown

Sonia Mae Brown is an Associate Professor of Language and Letters and Chair of the Division of Arts and Humanities at Philander Smith University, an HBCU in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in the United Kingdom and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she earned a Ph.D. in English from Howard University and a Master's in English from Long Island University. As a passionate advocate for HBCUs, Brown is dedicated to promoting academic excellence, student leadership, and social justice within these institutions. In her role as Chair, she has led initiatives to enhance academic rigor and provide students with opportunities for growth and cultural enrichment. Brown’s research focuses on gender and sexuality, particularly black female sexuality, and the role of sex as a discursive practice. She views reading as an intimate, erotic act, advocating for the integration of The Erotic as a critical lens in academic inquiry. Brown also serves as the Southwestern Regent for Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, where she supports student leadership development across the region. She is committed to community service, volunteering with AR Kids Read to improve literacy among children, and serving the veteran community at the local VFW post. With her proven leadership and commitment to HBCUs, Brown aspires to serve as an HBCU president. She aims to continue advocating for the educational empowerment and social justice of students, faculty, and communities at HBCUs.