NSU President Betz to visit Jordan

(Tahlequah, OK)--President Don Betz of Northeastern State University is participating in a Fulbright Fellowship in which he is meeting with higher education leaders in the Middle East to share U.S. higher education leadership perspectives.

Betz has been selected to attend the 2011 Fulbright-Hays Seminar in Oman and Jordan with six other university presidents. The seminar's topic is "Jordan and Oman: Higher Education in Transition."

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by AMIDEAST, the Higher Education in Transition program aims to provide participants with an opportunity to discuss best practices and exchange experiences with their counterparts in Oman and Jordan and to explore opportunities for future program development in the region with stakeholders on their respective campuses.

Speaking of the visit of the Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad group, the U.S. Ambassador to Oman, Dr. Richard J. Schmierer said, "The embassy is pleased to support efforts to foster linkages between institutions of higher education in the United States and Oman and to promote the ongoing development of educational exchange and training opportunities for U.S. and Omani students, faculty and staff. A quality system of higher education is essential for any nation wishing to secure a prosperous future for its citizens. We are gratified to see our growing partnership with Oman in this field and we thank the members of the Fulbright-Hays delegation and AMIDEAST for their interest, time and efforts in helping to build this key relationship.

Betz said that the fellowship has been energizing in its discussions among higher education leaders on such operational issues as missions, strategic planning, accreditation, globalization and work force development.

"One of my intended outcomes will be to create a vibrant connection with the leaders and faculty of institutions in Jordan and Oman," Betz said. "We want to facilitate their students and faculty in joining us at NSU for cultural exchanges, joint learning, research and service projects and to pursue reciprocal opportunities on their campuses."

Betz said meeting with higher education presidents and chancellors from throughout the Middle East in return will provide continuous opportunities to strengthen cultural understanding and enhance U.S. relations with other nations over time.

He said he expects the relationships built during the Fulbright experience to result in student and faculty exchanges and classes to enhance students' global literacy.

"At NSU we are committed to growing the next generation of leaders," he said.

"Among the prime attributes we are promoting and developing is their capacity to be socially responsible global citizens. Cultural awareness, global understanding and engagement are integral to the universitys strategic plan, to our definition of success."

Jordan and Oman offer opportunities for U.S. and Middle East university leaders to discuss future program development with stakeholders on their respective campuses. Enrollments in Arabic language, Islamic and Middle East studies have increased on U.S. campuses during the past decade. After declining for several years, student flows from the Arab world are rising.

With a wide representation of universities and colleges in the U.S., ranging from state universities in California to a community college in Maryland, the visiting group aims to explore partnerships that enable the institutions to promote cultural exchange, joint learning, research and service projects, and reciprocal opportunities. In additional to NSU, other institutions include California State University Monterey Bay; California State University Dominguez Hills; Chesapeake College (Maryland); Emporia State University (Kansas); Muscatine Community College (Iowa); West Virginia University. The group is accompanied by the Director of International Programs at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and by AMIDEASTs Director of Study Abroad and Outreach.

Fulbright Scholarships are prized among academics. Betz is the first NSU president to be named a Fulbright Scholar and is the third NSU faculty member to earn the honor for the 2010-11 academic year.

Dr. Leslie Hannah and Dr. Pamela Louderback visited Esbjerg Handlesskole in Esbjerg, Denmark, and Queen's University in Belfast, Ireland, respectively. Hannah offered advice and instruction in Native American studies, particularly about the portrayal of American Indians in U.S. popular culture. Louderback conducted post-doctoral research about British efforts to re-educate Irish children through the national school system.

The Fulbright Program facilitates the exchange of academics and students to and from the U.S. American participants visit other countries while U.S. institutions host foreign Fulbright Scholars. Since its establishment in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the program has given approximately 300,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists and scientists the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and address international concerns. Fulbright alumni include Nobel winners, CEOs and world-renowned artists.