Cheikh M. Ndiaye, associate professor of Modern Languages and Literatures, has a Ph.D. in French and Francophone studies from the University of Connecticut. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in French and African literatures from Université Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Senegal. Ndiaye teaches French language and literatures from around the Francophone world, has directed Union’s study-abroad programs in France, Martinique and Senegal. A highlight was a meeting he arranged between his students and poet and statesman Aimé Césaire during one of Union’s mini-terms at L’Université des Antilles et de la Guyane Française in Martinique. He lives in Schenectady with his son, Papa; daughter, Coumba; and their cat, Romeo. The family enjoys soccer, gardening and Union hockey.

FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING: WhatsApp

ONE BOOK YOU HAVE READ MULTIPLE TIMES: “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED: Get to know before you draw a conclusion

FAVORITE SPOT ON CAMPUS: Jackson’s Garden

GO-TO BREAKFAST: Au Bon Pain

NETFLIX OR AMAZON: Netflix

FAVORITE PODCAST: Ted talks podcasts

ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD: Calligraphy

ANOTHER SUBJECT YOU WISH YOU COULD TEACH: Astronomy

BEST EXCUSE YOU EVER HEARD FOR A LATE ASSIGNMENT: “I didn’t get your email about this assignment”