2005 (PDF) - International Studies And Program - Michigan State ...

MSU AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO STUDY ABROAD
Gerald Urquhart
Dr. Gerald Urquhart has initiated two study abroad programs, built
interdisciplinary faculty collaborations to enhance their academic content, and
integrated the programs with the curriculum of the Lyman Briggs School (LBS). Dr.
Urquhart also serves as a resource to LBS faculty who are formulating new
proposals for study abroad programs. Dr. Urquhart first offered the annual threeweek
course, ATropical Biodiversity and Conservation in Panama,@ in 2002. Teamtaught
with another LBS ecologist and an LBS historian of biology, this course
introduces students to the exceptional biodiversity and serious conservation issues
in tropical ecosystems. Dr. Urquhart collaborated in 2004 with an LBS specialist to
offer a one-week program, ARainforests and Reality in Nicaragua.” This biennial
course serves as a >starter= program, encouraging students to pursue further study
abroad opportunities. At present, he is collaborating with a professor of
Environmental Journalism from MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Science
to propose a co-sponsored semester study abroad progam at the University of
Tasmania.
The impact of these programs on LBS has been overwhelmingly positive.
Students praise the close interactions with faculty from MSU and Panama, speak
warmly of experiencing diverse ecosystems, and reflect on the frustrations and
rewards of their own field research projects. Students also write about their new
appreciation for the complexities of other cultures and the problems developing
countries face—and also about their altered perspectives on what they have
previously taken for granted because of living in the US. Faculty note specific
positive effects on their teaching and scholarship, citing new research collaborations
and the design of new courses. Dr. Urquhart=s recognition of the multiple benefits of
studying abroad prompted his involvement in OSA’s Curriculum Integration Project.
Major by major, Dr. Urquhart is asking LBS administrators, faculty, and advisers to
consider how their departments could facilitate more opportunities for study abroad
by evaluating courses and syllabi from co-sponsored institutions abroad, creating
new faculty-led programs, promoting existing programs that fit a major=s curriculum,
and encouraging new (and existing) faculty to become involved in study abroad
activities.
Dr. Urquhart has demonstrated sustained commitment to study abroad by
developing, implementing, teaching, and sustaining two popular, well-run programs.
His promotion of study abroad within LBS has positively impacted students and
faculty. His multidimensional efforts are most worthy of this award.
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