A Message from the Associate Provost for International Programs
I was involved with planning an international education conference with the Association of International Education Administrators which took place last week. I was inspired by the closing plenary speaker, Michael Osterhom, a leading epidemiologist and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. Osterholm reiterated that global research ties have been critical in fighting the pandemic. This was a plain yet powerful observation from an expert who has worked as a US Department of State science envoy. For a number of reasons, I think that we in higher education can appreciate these words and the insights that followed. Osterholm articulated the importance of education abroad programs, welcoming international students to our campuses, and building a curriculum that incorporates an understanding of global issues and working together across national boundaries. Osterholm reiterated, “You can’t consider yourself an institution of higher learning unless you understand the importance of international education. To me, that’s like trying to play a baseball game without pitchers. It doesn’t work.”
As we all work together to create a university that cultivates our next generation of leaders capable of engaging across cultures, we are reminded amidst the pandemic why this is critically important. Thank you for all that you do to contribute to our intercultural and global campus.
Susan Popko
Associate Provost for International Programs