Kennesaw State University Magazine Spring 2011 : Page 6
Campus Briefs India, China and America Institute comes to KSU KSU’s study-abroad scholarship program recognized as “best practice” In just two years since KSU implemented the Global Learning Scholarship program, the initiative has earned an award for innovation in international education. The Institute for International Education presented Kennesaw State one of 12 Andrew Heiskell Awards during its Sixth Annual Best Practices in Internationalization Conference in New York on March 18. More than 1,000 IIE higher education member institutions are eligible to compete for the awards. The Global Learning Scholarship program provides scholarships for every KSU student who studies abroad — more than $725,000 in scholarships since 2008. In 2010, 866 students studied abroad in 35 countries on six continents. The scholarship program is supported by student fees. “In today’s complex interdependent world, it is important to have first-hand experience of other countries and cultures,” said Dan Paracka, education-abroad director for KSU’s Institute for Global Initiatives. “We believe that every KSU student should study abroad and therefore we are doing our best to make such important educational opportunities more accessible.” In nominating KSU’s study-abroad scholarship program, Paracka said scholarships increase students’ access to the education abroad experience and improve the quality of programs offered. KSU received “honorable mention” in study abroad; one of four categories IIE recognized this year. Three awards are presented in each category. Govind Hariharan was introduced as the executive director of the India, China and America Institute by President Daniel S. Papp. Kennesaw State has entered into a partnership with the India, China and America Institute (ICA Institute), a respected thought leader on economic and geopolitical issues involving the United States and two of the world’s largest emerging economies — India and China. The ICA Institute will be housed in the Coles College of Business. KSU is a perfect fit for the institute because of the university’s commitment to internationalization and its engagement in both China and India. KSU houses a Confucius Institute, one of only 322 such academic centers in the world sponsored by the Chinese government, and has a partnership with Mumbai Business School, one of India’s up-and-coming business schools. The U.S., China and India — the world’s most populous countries — are expected to lead global growth in the 21st century. “As we look toward the future of the global economy, China and India will be the next economic superpowers,” said W. Ken Harmon, KSU’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Our partnership with the ICA, which has an outstanding reputation for fostering strong connections among the three economies, will help KSU and the Coles College further engage in these countries while solidifying our position as a leader in global education.” The India, China and America Institute works to foster business partnerships between the three economic superpowers. It also conducts research, as well as provides education and training to industry leaders, policymakers and nonprofits. “As a university committed to global learning, it is imperative that KSU continues to increase its involvement in both countries,” said Barry Morris, vice provost for global engagement and strategic initiatives. “We will continue to expand partnerships in India and China that advance student achievement, faculty development and overall excellence.” Govind Hariharan, chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis at the Coles College of Business, has been named the institute’s executive director. 6
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