MU Delegation Lends Support to Resolution Promoting International Education
Feb. 5, 2008
Story Contact: Kerri Urban, (573) 882-6007, urbank@missouri.edu
COLUMBIA—A group of University of Missouri students, faculty and staff will travel to Jefferson City Tuesday evening in support of a concurrent resolution being considered by state legislators that would acknowledge the importance of international education to the state of Missouri.
According to a press release issued by the resolution’s sponsor, Rep. David Pearce of Warrensburg, House Concurrent Resolution No. 7 will “encourage students and faculty at Missouri’s higher education institutions to participate in international education programs, including foreign language instruction and study abroad. The resolution also will recognize contributions that international students offer to Missouri’s economy and cultural landscape.”
The MU delegation will be joining students and educators from across Missouri at the resolution’s first hearing before the House of Representative’s Committee on Higher Education. David Currey, director of International Student and Scholar Services and assistant director of MU’s International Center, along with Joy Stevenson, director of International Center at the University of Central Missouri, will speak on behalf of the resolution.
“This resolution represents an important milestone in Missouri’s effort to support international opportunities for our students and for our citizens.” Currey said. “The heart of international education is a two-way exchange of ideas that not only promotes much needed cross-cultural understanding, but also provides our citizens with access to critical skills and resources.”
In addition to Currey, the MU delegation will include MU students who have studied overseas, international students currently attending MU, and the following MU staff members: Barbara Lindeman, director of Study Abroad and assistant director of MU’s International Center; Roy Robinson, director of International Programs for the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; and Leon Schumacher, professor of Agricultural Systems Management.
If passed, Missouri will join 13 other states that have already adopted similar legislation.
Related Link: http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills081/bills/hcr7.htm