RSU Pryor faculty lecture series to explore global perspective
Rogers State University Pryor is presenting a lecture series this spring where three faculty members will share insights into their research in other countries, as well as perspectives on cultural issues in such diverse places as Kenya, South Korea, and Italy.
The RSU Pryor Faculty Lecture Series presentations are scheduled for Feb. 17, March 23 and April 20. Each presentation will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the RSU Pryor Auditorium, located in the RSU campus at the MidAmerica Industrial Park, 2155 Highway 69A. Admission is free and open to the public.
RSU faculty members and students are participating in activities and research around the world. The RSU Pryor lecture series will allow area residents to learn about this research, while also providing them with a broader perspective about cultures and activities in other countries, said Sherry Alexander, Director of the Pryor Campus
Gary Moeller, Professor and Head of the RSU Department of Fine Arts, will present "RSU, Fine Arts for the Region and the World" on Wednesday, Feb. 17. For more than three decades, Moeller has taught at RSU and mentored fine artists, designers and art teachers of art in the United States. He helped launch RSU's Studies-at-Large program that takes RSU students and faculty to Italy each summer for in-depth exploration of Italian culture and development of the student-artists' talents. When not teaching, Moeller is widely recognized as an accomplished artist with his work exhibited in galleries in museums, art shows and private collections in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana and Umbria, Italy. He earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) and his Master of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Tulsa.
Dr. Jae-Ho Kim, Professor of Biology, will present, "South Korea - Back to the Future" on Wednesday, March 23. Born and raised in Korea, Dr. Kim recently spent sabbatical leave in his native country to perform IPS (induced pluripotent stem) cell research. While in Korea, Dr. Kim, who also is an ordained Presbyterian minister, presented and discussed topics on education and religion with educators and pastors there. During his RSU Pryor talk, he will explore the 'culture shock' he experienced during that recent visit to Korea, which followed 25 years spent away from the county. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Hannam University in Korea, a master's degree animal physiology from Korea University and a Master of Divinity in theology from Hapdong Theological Seminary and a doctorate in genetics from South Dakota State University. He also has done post-doctoral work in molecular biology at the Medical University of South Carolina.
The final lecture in the spring series will be a presentation from Dr. Juliet Evusa entitled, "Modern Day Gender Disparities through the Experiences of Impoverished Students in Western Kenya." A native of Kenya, Evusa serves as Associate Professor of Communications and Greg Kunz Endowed Chair of Communications, as well as serving as Assistant Director for RSU's Academic Enrichment program. Dr. Evusa spent last summer conducting research on educational opportunities and outcomes for boys and girls in western Kenyan schools. She currently is preparing her research for publication. She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Maharaja Sayajirao University in India; and a master's degree in international affairs, a graduate certificate in women's studies and doctorate in communications, all from Ohio University.
For more information, contact the RSU Pryor campus at 918-825-6117salexander@rsu.edu
