Wednesday, October 30, 2002
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Wednesday, October 30, 2002 |
CCSU celebrates first Fulbright Scholar in ResidenceDr. Raymond Osei, from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana, Africa, is Clayton State's first Fulbright Scholar in Residence. Osei teaches World Philosophy and African History in hopes that he can "bring (his) own horizon to bear on development of these courses in institutions in the United States." "The Fulbright Scholar in Residence is intended for smaller schools and schools that have not traditionally been able to host Fulbright Scholars," explains Dr. Robert Welborn, Clayton State professor of history and director of international studies. Welborn and Assistant Director of the International Center at Kennesaw State University Daniel J. Paracka applied jointly for the Fulbright Scholar in Residence. The joint application allows Clayton State to host Dr. Osei in the currently underway fall semester and allows Kennesaw to host the Scholar in the spring. "Kennesaw State University has a linkage with the University of Cape Coast for staff exchange and the student-study-abroad program," explains Osei. Clayton State, whose own study abroad program allows students to take courses in Italy, France, Greece, and England, will offer students the opportunity to study at UCC in Ghana beginning summer semester 2003. What is the role of a Fulbright Scholar? The Fulbright Scholar exists to "promote international understanding through the exchange of information," explains Welborn. Osei fits this profile perfectly having proven that his academic interests stretch beyond the boarders of his home institution. "For the past four years I have been involved in developing courses on African studies," says Osei, who is working diligently with the arts faculty of the University of Cape Coast to create an African cultural studies degree program at UCC. "The (Fulbright Scholar) award affords me the opportunity to study how African programs are run in the U.S." In keeping with this international mission, Welborn remarks, "By having Dr. Osei, 'Ghana' is no longer just a name or place to American students. The Fulbright Scholar program puts a human face on the world." The Fulbright Scholar program began after World War II when Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright proposed a program that would encourage "mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries of the world." Approved by Congress, President Truman signed the program into law in 1946. The Fulbright Scholar program "is the best expenditure of tax money we have," says Welborn. Of the differences in teaching in Africa versus teaching in America, Osei confides that he has had to reorganize his courses to accommodate students who juggle school and work. At UCC, students are not permitted to work while in school, he relays. Almost 90 percent of Clayton State students have part-time or full-time jobs in addition to their studies. Osei, who holds a Ph.D. in philosophy of the mind, spends his leisure time listening to world news and music. He is a PanAfricanist, a political preference promoting a unified Africa, because "a county divided cannot develop and become strong." His wife, Emma, a senior clerk of Ghana Commercial Bank, is currently in Georgia visiting Osei, who is living in Clayton County. Welborn has taught at Clayton State for 30 years. He enjoys golfing, hiking, and biking. He also canoes for days at a time in the Okefenokee Swamp. Kathy, his wife of 34 years, is a second-grade teacher in the Clayton County public school system. They have two grown sons, Aaron and Justin. Welborn lives in Rex.
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