English Language Institute

An Interview with Dr. Amadou Sall

Dr. Amadou Sall left his home in Mauritania, West Africa, to study at UT’s English Language Institute.

Twenty years later, he remains at UT as coordinator of the African American Incentive Grant Program. He taught African-American studies at UT for several years, and received the Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1991.

Sall earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry management and Ph.D. in education (curriculum and instruction), both at UT.

How long were you involved in the English Language Institute at UT?

Sall: I was involved in the ELI program from September 26, 1986, until December 1986.

What is your most memorable ELI experience?

Sall: Coming to study at ELI was my first experience in America. The classes were interesting, and I was learning English in a place where people spoke the language. I first learned English in high school, so I increased my vocabulary by being able to speak it.

We went roller skating for the first time and I think my gravity is just a little bit too high ... I fell a lot (smiling). We used to have small get-togethers with other ELI students.

What are you doing now in your professional capacity?

Sall: I supervise two graduate students and one secretary as coordinator of the African American Incentive Grant Program at UT. We have about 500 students in the program. My role is to make sure that they are retained and make sure that they fulfill all the requirements for the program.

I also provide one-on-one counseling with students. I used to teach African studies and also environmental education classes at the graduate level. Now I take students for the mini-term to Ghana.

What do you most enjoy about your current job?

Sall: Education is my passion and I love working with students … interacting with them and guiding them to success.

How has ELI helped you in your personal life and career?

Sall: For one thing, I learned English and how to communicate well. I learned about a lot about American culture. I also met some people in the program who were from different places. I even had one roommate from Palestine that I lived with for a while after the program.

Why have you chosen to stay at UT as a student, instructor, and employees through all these years?

Sall: I made Knoxville my second home. When I came to UT, I made a lot of friends who helped me cope with life in Tennessee. Life can be difficult sometimes. Being a student in a foreign country with a foreign language and accent can be very challenging.

People at UT were nice and helpful. After graduation I stayed at UT because I wanted to give back.

- Compiled by Terrica Oglesby