The Institute for Global Enterprise at the University of Evansville has announced the Global Scholars for the 2017-18 academic year. They are Noah Gordon, UE associate professor of biology; Erin Lewis, program director of the Institute for Global Enterprise; Lesley Pleasant, UE associate professor of German; and Shawn Teichmer, UE assistant professor of music. Each scholar will receive a travel allowance.
Lewis and Teichmer will study the legendary dance and music education system in Havana and Santiago, Cuba. Upon their return, they will develop a Latin dance and music performance team at UE as well as a potential summer class where UE students could get class credit for learning the material. These UE student groups would pilot an outreach program at EVSC schools among other outreach projects.
Gordon will study three species of barking geckos in Namibia that form choruses much like frogs in North America. Namibia is the only place in the world where all three of these gecko species are found, and their ranges about each other in the central coast region. Part of Gordon’s time in Namibia will be spent investigating the communication system of these closely related geckos.While many students come to UE from African nations, there is no UE-sponsored program for students to learn in Africa. Gordon’s project aims to fill that gap. Namibia provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn firsthand how other countries deal with modern, social, political, and environmental challenges.
Pleasant proposes to study migration patterns across the world. Regardless of individual politics, migration is a highly relevant topic as masses of refugees and other migrants cross borders, affecting local, regional, national, and supranational identities. Pleasant will work with UE faculty members to add value to existing courses and potential new courses across disciplines and schools to highlight the continuing importance of national and international diversity in the UE curriculum. In addition to collaborating with colleagues, she plans to reach out to individuals, businesses, groups, and institutions in the Tri-State.
As Global Scholars, the recipients of this award will engage in scholarship, curriculum development, and activities related to preparing our students and community for global leadership, citizenry, and success. The Global Scholars program is supported by the John H. Schroeder Global Scholar Endowed Fund and the Lilly Endowment.
