By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Faculty, staff, students and the public are invited to attend a group discussion to learn about the international programs and opportunities available at New Mexico State University and how these programs fit into President Barbara Couture's vision.
The "New Era of Excellence through International Programs & Partnerships" forum is Aug. 18 and coincides with the celebration of the inauguration of Couture as the 25th president of NMSU. The forum is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend.
"One of President Couture's major initiatives is to coordinate, integrate and facilitate international learning into NMSU's academic curriculum," said Delano Lewis, interim dean for International and Border Programs. "This special event offers the campus and larger community an opportunity to hear where we are right now as well as our thoughts about the future."
During the forum, a panel of experts from different aspects of the international programs and partnerships at NMSU will give their thoughts of internationalizing the university and also offer updates to their particular programs.
"We hope through this forum people will have a better understanding of the tremendous breadth of international activity that we have at NMSU, from the programs to the projects to the partnerships to the research," said Roberta Stathis, who is coordinating the program.
There will be time during the forum for open discussion and for attendees to offer comments or ask questions.
"We are seeking input from faculty, staff, students and members of the communities we serve as we refine existing programs and partnerships and pursue new international efforts," Lewis said.
Scheduled to sit on the panel are Tilahun Adera, dean of the College of Health and Social Services; Kristian Chervenock, the assistant dean for the Study Abroad program; Adam Berg, an NMSU student who studied abroad in Japan; Ken Hammond, a professor of history and the co-director of the Confucius Institute; Gary Lowe, mentor and coordinator for Aggies Go Global; and Executive Vice President and Provost Wendy Wilkins.
"I am very excited about this upcoming forum," said NMSU Regent Laura Conniff. "Opportunities like this are valuable for our students to engage in a dialogue about global issues. I am pleased to see positive steps in the international arena."
The event starts at 9 a.m. in the Corbett Center Senate Chambers, but attendees are encouraged to show up early in order to partake of international treats being offered as refreshments before the discussion begins.
NMSU students who have taken advantage of the international programs offered will be on hand to visit with attendees about their experiences.
The forum can be viewed live at http://mediasite-server.nmsu.edu/ictmsite5/Viewer/?peid=3400313e661c4543b9ff8da6a60227ed.