The Missouri S&T Study Abroad Advisory Committee awarded $25,000 in grant funds to assist in developing faculty-led short-term study abroad programs. The committee considered seven proposals and six faculty members were selected to receive funding. This funding will be used for travel or other costs associated with developing a faculty-led study abroad program. Below are the selected faculty members, along with their proposed courses and program locations.

Grants of $5,000 were awarded for the following programs:

• Jessica Cundiff, assistant professor of psychological science, and Dr. Jill Schmidt, assistant teaching professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, will teach Cross-Cultural Psychology (PSYCH 4992) and Introduction to Engineering Design (ME 1720) in Italy.
• Kathryn Dolan, assistant professor of English and technical communication, will teach The Environment of The Lord of the Rings (ENGL 3001) in New Zealand.
• Terry Robertson, associate professor of arts, languages and philosophy, will teach Intercultural Communication: A Study of Cultures in Panama, while in Panama.
• Kathleen Sheppard will teach History of Science (HIST 3530) in England and Scotland.
• William Eric Showalter, associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, will teach Construction Means and Methods: Ancient and Modern while in Estonia.

The committee thanks leaders at the colleges and international affairs for funding the grants: Dr. Stephen Roberts, vice provost and dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business and a professor of biological sciences; Dr. Richard Brow, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of ceramic engineering and interim vice provost and dean for the College of Engineering and Computing; and Dr. Warren K. Wray, vice chancellor for Global and Strategic Partnerships. The committee appreciates the faculty members who submitted proposals. These strategic investments will extend the global opportunities for Missouri S&T students and provide a more competitive advantage to students interested in global career opportunities and global experiences.

In May 2015, Chancellor Cheryl B. Schrader signed a commitment to join Institute of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad initiative to double the number of students who study abroad by the year 2020. The development of faculty-led short-term programs is one way Missouri S&T is expanding study abroad opportunities for students. Faculty-led short-term study abroad programs are usually two or three weeks long and offer students the opportunity to earn Missouri S&T credit while experiencing new cultures.

To learn more about study abroad or developing a faculty-led study abroad program, please contact Robin Ziegler, student service coordinator, at 341-6237 or zieglert@mst.edu.