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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry is joining the faculty at Wake Forest University.

School officials said that Wake Forest alumna Harris-Perry (‘94) will return this summer to her alma mater as a chaired professor.

She joins Wake Forest’s Politics and International Affairs department from Tulane University, where she has served as a political science professor since 2011.

“My love affair with Wake Forest began when I was 16, so having the opportunity to return is thrilling beyond measure,” said Harris-Perry, in a statement. “Wake Forest taught me the joys of learning, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the endurance of friendship.  I welcome the challenge of joining this demanding and nurturing academic environment.”

University officials said that Harris-Perry brings practical political and relevant cultural experiences to the classroom.

“Melissa Harris-Perry is one of the nation’s foremost intellectuals publicly exploring — and thoughtfully influencing — the intersections of politics, race, gender, religion and culture,” said Wake Forest Provost Rogan Kersh. “We are delighted that she has chosen to come home to Wake Forest and help ignite in our students the passion she has for contemporary political issues and social justice.”