The curriculum in Global Studies has had another successful semester. Our students and faculty have continued to position themselves at the forefront of understanding topics of vital importance to the world in which we live, and with their support we have been able to host a set of exceptional events that raised the level of conversation on global issues on campus. We hope you enjoy reading about some of the highlights of the semester.

Students. Our students have excelled both academically and outside of the classroom in the field. The 2012 honors cohort produced thirteen outstanding theses we are proud to display in our offices. This year’s undergraduates have also received numerous scholarships to support their research across the globe. Our majors will explore the issues they’ve encountered in their courses in countries as diverse as Australia, Guatemala, Mali, Spain, Paraguay and Vietnam. They remain active in Chapel Hill as well, and have been recognized for their service to the community. Global Studies majors continue to undertake leadership roles across campus, and shape the culture of being globally engaged at UNC.

Faculty. Our faculty offers our students insight into the very cutting edge of research in their respective fields. They have published extensively and received internationally renowned prizes for their work. We are fortunate to have their expertise at UNC and value the commitment to teaching that they consistently demonstrate in their support of our majors. We have also successfully completed our searches for a joint professor in Global Studies, and public policy professor focused on the global economy to help direct and teach our proposed masters in Global Studies degree program. We look forward to introducing them in our next newsletter when they arrive on campus.

Events. Global Studies has built on its reputation for events that bring critical discussions to our university and local community through public lectures with experts on key global issues. Last semester, students, faculty and the Triangle community were able to tackle topics such as the impact of AIDS in Malawi and the role fragile states play on the world stage. The global studies War Stories series featured a series of thrilling discussions on the Egyptian uprising, the effects of El Salvador’s civil wars, and the state of central Africa. A workshop and panel discussion on the Arab Spring with leading academics from across the country drew record crowds to campus. Heels in the Field, a Global Health Discussion series, gained momentum with a large and energetic turnout to talks on the global importance of maternal and child healthcare, HIV/AIDS, and injury prevention research.   

Global Studies has grown hugely in size and scope over the last decade, but financial constraints still make it difficult to provide the experience that we would wish for all of our engaged students. If you have the capacity, consider supporting Global Studies at UNC-CH with a gift. If you are unable at this point in time to donate, we would value your expertise and would welcome your involvement in the curriculum by acting as a career contact for our undergraduates, or emailing us when you have internships available. We would appreciate the gesture.

Very best wishes,

Andy Reynolds