The University Board of Trustees appointed African-American studies and religion scholar Cornel West GS '80 to the faculty Saturday, ending months of intense speculation over whether West would leave Harvard University.
West, who will become the 1943 University Professor of Religion in July and begin teaching a full course load in the fall, said in a statement he was pleased to return to the University, where he chaired the African-American studies program and taught from 1988 to 1994.
"I am excited to return to the greatest center for humanistic studies in the country," West said. "I look forward to being a part of President Tilghman's vision that promotes high quality intellectual conversation mediated with respect."
Tilghman welcomed West in a University statement and praised his contributions to academia.
"[West] was a popular and dedicated teacher during his previous tenure at Princeton," Tilghman said. "We are pleased that he has decided to return."
West's appointment had the full support of the board, said Vice President and Secretary Thomas Wright '62.
West has cited his discontent with Harvard's new president, Lawrence Summers, as one reason for leaving the institution. He has criticized Summers' commitment to diversity.
Earlier this year, West said he was "dishonored" by comments Summers made questioning West's production of a rap music album, his role on Al Sharpton's presidential exploratory committee and his contributions to academia.
Summers, who in recent weeks made efforts to keep West on board, thanked him for his contributions in a statement.
"All of us . . . are grateful to Cornel West for his significant contributions to Harvard academic life." Summers said. "We will miss him, and I wish him every success at Princeton."
In addition, several Harvard student groups have petitioned West to stay in the past few weeks.
At Princeton, the Black Student Union was excited to hear about West's appointment, said Shena Elrington '04, its president.
"Without a doubt, Professor West will contribute to the intellectual climate of the University," she said.
West has taught various levels of African-American studies, religion and philosophy at Harvard. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard and earned his Ph.D. in philosophy at Princeton in 1980.
The University announced Friday its plan to hire West, after Harvard Law professor Charles Olgetree, who has been representing him, confirmed that West would leave.
Throughout last week, University spokespersons maintained they did not know if West had told the University his decision but said the board could accommodate him if he decided by Saturday.
Conflicting signs regarding West's decision came out of his camp in the past several days.
West said Wednesday on Tavis Smiley's show on National Public Radio that he had made a decision and would announce it later in the week. Olgetree later told The Daily Princetonian that West had not yet decided.
University officials now say West informed them of his decision in the middle of last week.
West will hold a news conference today and appear on Smiley's show for an interview.
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