Proximity to Canada is only one of the assets that drew Associate Professor of Government Assis Malaquias to St. Lawrence. Born in Africa and raised in Canada, Malaquias says that "Being at St. Lawrence is great because of its closeness to Canada, where I have many contacts." But there's more: "This University is also amazingly nurturing of both teaching and learning. They really go out of their way to make it highly rewarding to teach here. I've always been amazed at the quality of teaching we have."

A member of the faculty since 1996, Malaquias specializes in international relations, African politics and development economies, and is working on a manuscript for publication that analyzes the prospects of peace in Angola. In addition, he is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English. Malaquias directed the program in Spain for a year and beginning in the fall of 2006, will be the associate dean for international studies. Recently, Malaquias was appointed as Extraordinary Associate Professor at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in South Africa, having developed strong links with the institution in recent years, including time he spent there during a sabbatical from St. Lawrence.

He graduated from the University of Winnipeg, earning a Master of Development Economics Degree and the Ph.D. from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.