The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce that the theme for the 2010-2011 academic year will be Leadership in a Global Society. In order to allow for better planning and preparation, we have selected the theme early and are now accepting nominations and applications for the Provost Fellow for Public Affairs for 2010-2011. The selected Fellow will “shadow” the current Provost Fellow, Dr. Mahua Barari Mitra, in order to better understand the planning process of the Public Affairs Conference.
The 2010-2011 theme, Leadership in a Global Society, is rich with opportunities to engage the campus community in discussions that will help to clarify the complications we all face as we reach beyond borders:
How have concepts of leadership changed to meet the needs of emerging global constituencies? In what ways can we foster a broader understanding of various cultures through exploring art and literature? When cultures clash, how can we productively engage in values debates? As economies become more interdependent, how can we prepare the workforce to understand its various roles in this shifting dynamic? As technology brings greater ability to connect globally, has it fostered any greater understanding amongst peoples? As population demographics shift within the United States, are our institutions and industries prepared to understand the needs of those they serve? What are the best practices within the university setting to engage students in a discussion of issues associated with varying cultures, values, and beliefs? How can we help students to put their knowledge of broad cultures in action when they leave the university?
Leadership in a Global Society is a call to action for students, faculty and staff of Missouri State University. The issues we are facing today, and will be facing from this point forward, are global issues (poverty, hunger, health care, educating our children, environment, etc.) This theme requires us as members of the Missouri State community, and as part of a global society, to be action-oriented in dealing with these problems. How can we “think globally and act locally” to address these global issues?
As is the case this year with the theme of Evolving Economic Realities, the intent will be to incorporate this new theme into as many campus activities and programs as possible. This effort will begin with recruitment and orientation materials sent out to prospective students; carry through to the New Student Convocation, Public Affairs Week, and the convocation lecture series; and culminate with the 2011 Public Affairs Conference, which will be the primary responsibility of the Provost Fellow for Public Affairs with support being provided by the Office of Public Affairs Support and the Conference Advisory Committee.
The Office of the Provost welcomes applications and nominations for a Provost Fellow who will be responsible for refining this theme, developing and promoting related activities and serve as the chair of the 2011 Public Affairs Conference. The person selected will receive a one course reassignment per semester and an $8,000 stipend. Although the appointment will be for one year, the person selected will be asked to shadow this year’s Provost Fellow in order to gain an understanding of the full responsibilities of the position.
Individuals wishing to be considered for this position should submit a CV and letter of interest outlining their experience, skills and ideas to Dr. Rachelle Darabi, Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs no later than 5 pm, September 15. Review applications will begin September 16. Questions concerning this position should be directed to Dr. Rachelle Darabi.