Gaylord Global

For almost three decades, the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord College has partnered with the U.S. Department of State to implement public diplomacy programs in multiple South Asian countries. These programs have always aimed to enhance America’s influence and competitiveness among students, media professionals and small business owners in South Asia. When former dean, Dr. Joe Foote, relocated to the University of Oklahoma, he brought with him programs that aimed to strengthen American global leadership. This tradition continues with programs in South and Central Asia. From 2010 onward, students, small business owners, media professionals and educators came to the U.S. on a number of public diplomacy programs. In collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth (ICCEW) on the Norman campus, about 300 entrepreneurs and journalists participated in a variety of programs, which also sent close to 100 American professionals abroad. These visits facilitate partnerships and trade relationships, strengthen local businesses, promote economic growth and innovation. In addition, the Studies of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program brought over 60 undergraduate students to the U.S., many of whom now have a better understanding of American culture and values and are trailblazers in their respective countries. Gaylord College and the University of Oklahoma have become an international brand in many South Asian countries, and it is not surprising to see people walking the streets of some of the most densely populated cities in the world wearing a Gaylord College or OU T-shirt or sweater.  The University of Oklahoma is proud to have increased the visibility and reality of American partnerships with emerging leaders in South Asia. Gaylord College and the Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth (ICCEW) currently have two active Professional Fellows Programs (PFP) with four countries in South Asia.