Born in Fresco, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Professor Kokora came to Georgetown University in the Fall of 1990 from the University of Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. At Abidjan, he taught linguistics and language courses for more than ten years. He also served for six years as Director of the Institute for Applied Linguistics, which is responsible for the policy regarding language issues, such as teaching of French in the context of African languages and cultures. He holds both an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Indiana University.

Professor Kokora has been variously co-author, contributor, or series director for the following publications: Entrainement à l'expression écrite (1977); Cours autodidactique de français écrit vol. I(1980); Cours autodidactique de français écrit vol. II(1981); Les contes du soir chez le Godié de Côte d'Ivoire (1982): Au fil des textes:français 5e(1985); Cours autodidactique de français écrit vol.I 2ième édition (1986); MCGRAW-HILL French: Revision et Integration: Advanced Placement Guide (1990); Bulletin bibliographique sur la variation linguistique [1960-1986](1991); Au fil des textes: français 6e (1984); and Dictionnaire français-anglais/English-French (1987).

As the coordinator of the language teaching program in the French Department, Professor Kokora has been instrumental in adding two new evaluation tools to the curriculum: a computer-adapted proficiency examination and a language-lab-based listening and reading French test. His courses on "French Language Methodology" and "Francophone Discourse in its Psychological and Sociological Contexts" have also contributed to the expansion of the French studies curriculum at the University.