IS&O Headlines

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.

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.