About IPC

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the International Programs Center is to augment and enrich the international aspects of the curricula, the activities of students, and the research and public service activities of the faculty and staff of the University; and to reach out to alumni and to state, national, and international communities to enhance the University's role as a leader in our nation's international relations.

Message from Zach Messitte and Suzette Grillot

August 2009

There is a great sense of anticipation for the 2009-2010 academic year among the faculty, staff and students of International Programs at the University of Oklahoma. We believe it will be a historic year for us.

The School of International and Area Studies (SIAS) continues to flourish and attract a growing number of majors. Our Education Abroad office will offer exciting new study abroad options for OU students. Our International Student Services office is already hard at work helping OU’s international students settle into their new lives in the United States. And this fall, for the first time, we have a dedicated international area on campus -- the entire first floor of Hester Hall. Located in the heart of OU, just off the south oval, our administrative offices, event spaces, faculty offices and classrooms are now located all together to better serve our students.

President Boren has set a challenging goal of doubling the number of OU students going abroad in the next five years. Our three popular summer Journey programs -- Italy, China and South America -- continue to be in demand. A growing number of students are also taking advantage of semester and year-long experiences at our partner universities around the world and at the signature OU in Arezzo program. Our Arabic Language Flagship Partner Program continues to excel, awarding scholarships to OU students who plan to study Arabic for five years, including a final year in Alexandria, Egypt.

The 1500 international students on campus from more than 100 countries are always active in student life and give the Norman campus a global atmosphere. In addition to planning the 40th annual Eve of Nations cultural extravaganza at the Lloyd Noble Center in April, student groups will host dinners and cultural events throughout the academic year that enrich the lives of the OU community.

Now in the second year as an independent degree-granting program, International and Area Studies is among the fastest growing fields of study at OU. Our students can choose majors focusing on the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, Europe, Russia and East Europe, International Security, and International Studies. Our faculty are leading scholars and teachers who have studied at renowned universities and have been recognized for their commitment to OU students. This fall we welcome three new members to the faculty: Dr. Thomas Hefter, who received his doctorate from the University of Chicago and has been teaching at the American University in Cairo, will teach courses in Arabic language and literature, Dr. Jiyeoun Song, who received her PhD from Harvard, will teach East Asian politics classes, and Dr. Jarrod Hayes, who received his doctorate from the University of Southern California, will teach courses in international security.

Part of our core mission is to develop programs designed for all OU students and the broader community. Our US-China Institute and Center for Middle East Studies bring dynamic guest lecturers to campus throughout the year. In 2010 we are planning a high level panel to discuss what author and journalist Fareed Zakaria has described as “the rise of the rest,” as the United States once again moves into a multipolar world. In the spirit of volunteerism that is so important to the college-aged generation, our students have made an historic commitment to needy children around the world by participating in the annual UNICEF Trick-or-Treat campaign.  Their efforts have proven to be among the top in the nation raising over $10,000 the past two years and making OU a national Emissary School for UNICEF. Our students will try and exceed last year’s amount by collecting spare change during the fall and culminating with our traditional Halloween party for students, faculty, staff and their children. Other planned events include a forum on international sport, the School’s annual symposium (this year focused on Asia), and visits by leading academics and practitioners in the field.

We are proud to work with an outstanding Board of Visitors. Last October we welcomed Judge Robert Henry, the Chief Judge for the US Court of Appeal for the 10th Circuit as our new chair. His intellect, wisdom and understanding of Oklahoma and the world have added a tremendous amount of experience to our mission. We look forward to welcoming new members this year so that the Board will remain vibrant in the years ahead.

Finally, we are honored to be working with an outstanding staff of professionals who are devoted to internationalizing the OU campus. This year we welcome three leaders to new positions in International Programs.  Mr. Jack Hobson is the new Director of Education Abroad. Jack is a native Oklahoman with extensive experience in the field of international education. He holds a MA in International Studies from OU and is currently pursuing his PhD in Political Science. He speaks French and has been the Assistant Director for Program Development in Education Abroad since 2002.

Ms. Monica Sharp is the new Director for International Student Services. She served as the Assistant Director of the office since 2006 and works closely with OU’s international student population on the Norman, Tulsa, and OU Health Sciences campuses. Monica received her BA from OU and participated in study abroad programs in Spain and France as an undergraduate. She recently completed a MA in Spanish at OU.

Dr. Mark Frazier, the ConocoPhillips Professor of Chinese Politics and Associate Professor of International and Area Studies, is SIAS’s new Director. His research examines the politics of labor and social policies in China. He was awarded a Fulbright Research Fellowship in China and received a Ph.D. in political science from the University of California, Berkeley, an MA in Chinese Studies from the University of Washington, and a BA in history from Princeton University.

As a new school year begins we are reminded that while our fundamental commitment remains with our students, we look forward with great enthusiasm to facilitating and supporting international studies, programs and activities at OU and within our larger community.