Recent News

Dicks inducted into Phi Beta Delta

STILLWATER, Okla. – Mike Dicks, Chair, Wes Watkins Center for International Trade and Development, was recently inducted into Oklahoma State University’s Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Delta. Dicks was the 2010 International Education Faculty Excellence Recipient.

For the last three decades, Dicks has assisted farm and commodity groups, environmental groups, USDA and Congress in developing farm policy, in addition to assisting numerous foreign governments, United States government agencies and non-government organizations in international development activities. He has worked in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North, East and West Africa, the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico.

Phi Beta Delta is the first honor society dedicated to recognizing scholarly achievement in international education. Its mission is to serve as a means of encouraging interdisciplinary international programming and promote the exchange of ideas and information among a network of faculty, staff and students involved in international endeavors.

In photo from left to right Nani Pybus, Phi Beta Delta past president; Lupita Fabregas, Phi Beta Delta Vice President; Musharrat Hossain, Phi Beta Delta Student Award Recipient, Masters student, Teaching English as a Second Language, English Department; Gerry Auel, Phi Beta Delta Coordinator; Mike Dicks, Phi Beta Delta Honorary Membership recipient; Mokhtar Al-Zuraiki, Phi Beta Delta Student Award Recipient, Ph.D. Linguistics, English Department; Mahesh Khadka, Phi Beta Delta Student Award Recipient, Ph.D. Computer Science; and Patricia Rayas-Duarte, Phi Beta Delta President.

JFDP's attend conference

Viorela Polena and Umida Boltaeva, Junior Faculty Development Program participants from Oklahoma State University, attended the annual Phi Beta Delta Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 12 and 13, and both presented a conference session.

SIS student says OSU was a great fit for him

STILLWATER, Okla. – Moritz Rissman, School of International Studies (SIS) graduate student, is from Germany and chose Oklahoma State University for many reasons. He had decided to get an English graduate degree and likes to experience new cultures and improve his language skills. After narrowing down his choices to 11, OSU met his needs.

When first arriving in Stillwater, Rissman felt like Oklahoma was similar to home, but dryer, vaster in space and red instead of green and brown. Most universities that he has visited were generally very limited in space and are therefore often scattered across larger towns.

“I am still very excited to study on a campus where everything is close together and separated by nice green areas,” he said. “Absolutely fascinating is the identification of the students with their Alma Mater. That ocean of orange really is bright and I love to be a part of this family. We could definitely use some of that spirit back home!”

The same is true for the dedication of professors and advisors.

He said he recently Skyped with a good friend from high school and she happened to have e-mailed back and forth with a professor for mathematics at OSU.

“What a small world! She was totally stunned by the professor’s friendliness and cooperation,” Rissman said. “Hence, it is not just me; Oklahomans are just friendlier.”

Rissman is an active student, serving in several officer positions in the SIS, he says serving in this capacity prepares him for his future.

“Being active in extracurricular activities teaches you several important lessons. More importantly, one can’t learn these lessons by reading books or taking classes. The starters are prioritizing and time management. Yet, the interaction with others yields the most benefits,” he said. “Observing and understanding your coworkers and fellow students will allow you to significantly improve group dynamics and achieve optimal results. This came in very handy when I lead a big team of students organizing a weeklong workshop series with Europe’s leading IT firms. Finally, you gain a certain degree of experience and calmness that surely helped me during various occasions.”

He said being active has taught him some skills – but in the end he is active because he enjoys meeting new people and taking things in his own hands and making a contribution.

Rissman’s goals after finishing the SIS master’s program including continuing his education and obtaining a doctoral degree.

“If I ever grow up, I will like to return to the classroom, teach economics, share my experience and encourage young people to seek an understanding of other cultures and the ‘big picture,’” he said.

IS&O is a Certified Healthy Department

International Studies and Outreach was named a 2012 Certified Healthy Department by Oklahoma State University as part of the university’s initiative to promote wellness and health across the campus.

Experts at the Seretean Wellness Center certified each department according to specific guidelines, focusing on physical activity programs in the department, mental health, stress management and nutrition. The program recognizes departments that already have health-related policies as well as those who choose to implement new policies.

"I am pleased to see so many OSU Certified Healthy Departments for 2012," said Ann Hargis, OSU's first lady. "Offices are making an effort to create a healthier environment for faculty, staff and students. I commend them for joining us on the journey, as we strive to be America's healthiest campus."

There are two tiers of qualification, silver and gold. Twenty-four departments qualified for gold status, while three departments qualified for silver status.

Birchler receives Outstanding OSU Graduate Coordinator

STILLWATER, Okla. – Donna Birchler, graduate programs advisor, received the Outstanding Graduate Coordinator/ Outstanding Graduate Support Staff Award during Graduate Education week at Oklahoma State University.

Birchler is the graduate programs advisor for the OSU School of International Studies (SIS) and has served in this position for 11 years. Nominations for this award were initiated by currently enrolled graduate students and received a $500 cash award.

“I am honored to receive this kind of recognition, especially because it comes from the students,” Birchler said. “I have a great job because I work with students everyday and they have always been a priority to me. I believe that is what working at OSU means, taking care of the students and making their transitions in the academic field easier. I am truly blessed with my job and thank all those who helped make this award possible.”

Birchler currently advises 66 students and serves on numerous scholarship committees.

The School of International Studies is OSU’s academic framework for integrating the resources of all eight OSU academic units and colleges to expand international opportunities in instruction, research and outreach for individuals and organizations seeking a greater understanding and involvement in world trade and international affairs.

The School is housed in the Wes Watkins Center, which serves as a focal point for international activities at OSU. Operating as part of the Division of International Studies and Outreach the School helps carry out the University's outreach missions of providing educational programs and services beyond traditional campus boundaries.

The School of International Studies offers a Graduate Program, the English Language Institute; Study Abroad/National Student Exchange Office; Peace Corps Recruitment support; Fulbright Resource Center; OSU Chapter of the Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society; OSU Chapter of the Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society and International Outreach Unit.

Oklahoma State University Graduate College Dean Sheryl Tucker presented Donna Birchler, School of International Studies graduate programs advisor, with the Outstanding Graduate Coordinator/Outstanding Graduate Support Staff award.

Congratulations to the School of International Studies Spring 2012 Graduates!

Eleven OSU faculty approved for membership to SIS

Eleven OSU faculty approved for membership to SIS

STILLWATER, Okla. – Eleven OSU faculty members were recently approved for membership on the Oklahoma State University School of International Studies faculty.

New members to the SIS faculty include Terrence Bidwell, Natural Resource, Ecology and Management; Timothy Bowser, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Glen Brown, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Jeanne Homer, Architecture; Subhash Kak, Computer Sciences; Khaled Mansy, Architecture; Juan Meng, Strategic Communications; Rolf Prade, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Peter Rudloff, Political Science; Mike Schnelle, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; and Jeanmarie Verchot, Entomology and Plant Pathology.

International Studies and Outreach Associate Vice President, David Henneberry, said the goals of SIS include enhancing the academic and personal experience of students through international programs and activities; and promoting international education, research, trade and outreach development.

“These goals are accomplished through overall participation in study abroad activities, and expansion of international activities and opportunities for faculty, staff, students and the greater community,” he said. “The SIS faculty work to enhance these opportunities by advising students, lending international expertise, serving as guest speakers, leading study abroad programs and acting as a committee member on various international or school committees.”

The School of International Studies (SIS) includes the Study Abroad Office, English Language Institute, International Outreach activities and the multi-disciplinary SIS Graduate Program. The SIS Graduate Program offers three curricular options: the Master of Science in International Studies, the Graduate Certificate in International Studies and the Masters International Program (MIP), which combines the M.S. in International Studies with service in the Peace Corps. The SIS also has an undergraduate minor in International Studies available to all undergraduate students.

IS&O welcomes group from Mexico

International Studies and Outreach welcomes a group from Mexico who are here for two weeks studying in the English Language Institute. They come from across Mexico and serve as faculty and staff from the Monterrey Tech System.

OSU School of International Studies visits Oklahoma Capitol

STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University School of International Studies (SIS) attended International Student Awareness Day 2012 at the Oklahoma Capitol.

The event was presented by the Oklahoma Governors International Team and the International Student Awareness Day Committee. International students who are currently enrolled in Oklahoma’s colleges, universities, and all high school juniors and seniors were invited to attend the event.

The students, representing more than 65 countries, were greeted in the House Chamber by Cory Williams, Oklahoma House of Representatives and International Students Awareness Day Chairman.

“We open the doors at the Capitol to these students who are here representing their country and their culture. As these unique perspectives are shared, we lessen the fear and misunderstanding between cultures and I’m pleased to play a small role in this year’s event,” Williams said.

Todd Lamb, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, thanked the students for participating in the event and visiting the State’s Capitol and Percy Walker, Oklahoma House of Representatives sang a couple of classic Oklahoma songs to the group.

Students were able to enjoy local and international cuisine, check out free booths and entertainment.

“I really enjoyed visiting the State’s Capitol and learning about Oklahoma’s history,” said Bemnet Woldearegay, SIS student from Ethiopia. “The roll call of the countries was a neat opportunity to see what all different countries were represented from across the world and to also see who else was there from my own country. This was a great experience and I look forward to going back and visiting the Capitol.”

International students from SIS that attended the event include Mathis Hodge, Caribbean; Brandon Newland, Wisconsin, U.S.A.; Viorela Polena, Albania; Umida Boltaeva, Uzbekistan; Christina Ruiz, Mexico; Woldearegay, Ethiopia; and Duone Nguyen, Vietnam.

Following the International Student Awareness Day, SIS students visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

Oklahoma State University School of International Studies (SIS) students attended International Student Awareness Day 2012 at the Oklahoma Capitol. After the program, students visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Pictured from left to right, Mathis Hodge, Caribbean; Brandon Newland, Wisconsin; Viorela Polena, Albania; Donna Birchler, SIS graduate programs advisor; Umida Boltaeva, Uzbekistan; Christina Ruiz, Mexico; Bemnet Woldearegay, Ethiopia; and Duone Nguyen, Vietnam.