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:

• Dr. 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.
• Dr. Kathryn Dolan, assistant professor of English and technical communication, will teach The Environment of The Lord of the Rings (ENGL 3001) in New Zealand.
• Dr. Terry Robertson, associate teaching professor of speech and media studies, will teach Intercultural Communication: A Study of Cultures in Panama, while in Panama.
• Dr. Kathleen Sheppard, assistant professor of history and political science, will teach History of Science (HIST 3530) in England and Scotland.
• Dr. William Eric Showalter, associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, will teach Construction Means and Methods: Ancient and Modern, while in Estonia.

Congratulations to the award recipients. The committee wishes to express its gratitude to Dr. Stephen Roberts, Dr. Richard Brow, and Dr. Warren K. Wray, who funded the grants and is appreciative of all faculty members who submitted proposals. These strategic investments are geared to 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 Schrader signed a commitment to join IIE’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 our 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.