Faculty Ambassadors: Towards a Professional Development Model for Academic Diplomacy

• In Event: Developing Faculty as Teacher-Scholars

Abstract

Global research, teaching, and service are of paramount importance for many U.S. HEIs facing increasing competition for students and research funding.  To fulfill these missions, the number of faculty who engage directly with individuals and institutions from outside the U.S. has continued to rise, making the identification, development, and implementation of measurable PD competencies in global engagement a strategic priority.  The present study interviews 10 highly experienced, globally-engaged, and multi-disciplinary faculty from two research-intensive universities in the U.S. with the intention of identifying the components of an emerging professional development competency: academic diplomacy. Preliminary findings demonstrate the need for a PD framework focused on role awareness, cultural and intellectual humility, partnership and coalition development, negotiation and conflict resolution and communication.

Authors

• Laura Cruz, Pennsylvania State University

• Lisa A Lambert Snodgrass, Purdue University