Author, globalization expert featured in UHCL's President's Speaker Series

November 10, 2020 | UHCL Staff

Social justice and globalism in higher education will be the next big questions explored by the President's Speaker Series, which launched last month at University of Houston-Clear Lake.

James Anderson, former chancellor of Fayetteville State University, a historically Black regional public university, will present "Addressing Social Justice and Global Perspectives in the Classroom" Friday, Nov. 13 from 9-10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Anderson is also the author of "Driving Change through Diversity and Globalization: Transformation Leadership in the Academy."

"You have to ask the right questions about globalism, equity and inclusion in order to get the right answers," Anderson said. "What are the questions we should be asking about globalism? Once you identify the questions, you work to figure out the outcomes that you're hoping will occur."

The questions emphasized in a regional state university in Texas such as UH-Clear Lake, Anderson said, might not emerge as the necessary questions elsewhere. "You're looking for the set of questions that are most appropriate for your setting, your faculty, and your students," he said.

The path from questions to outcomes can be challenging, Anderson continued, because "somewhere along the line, the discussion about diversity, inclusion and globalization often becomes political. Faculty and students need to be ready to address those questions, and be prepared to answer them," he said. "Politics becomes integrated. At other universities, we've had to work through these questions."

Anderson will also discuss the role of social justice causes in transitioning to globalized curriculums. "Social justice issues are great 'action' examples that show how learning more about issues in the world leads to better educated students and faculty who know how to take action," he said.

"Dr. Anderson's participation in the President's Speaker Series could not come at a more appropriate time for our country, region, and university," said UHCL President Ira K. Blake. "As we pursue meaningful, actionable goals in globalism and diversity, equity, and inclusion from the perspectives of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community, we will benefit from the thoughtful and challenging conversations Dr. Anderson will facilitate."

Each semester, the President's Speaker Series will host two nationally prominent speakers, along with virtual panel discussions, to initiate dialogue between the university and community on the future of higher education.

Anderson has consulted with over 350 colleges and universities, addressing topics such as institutional diversity plans and the assessment of student learning and diversity.

After his talk, Anderson will lead a virtual workshop entitled, "Educators Workshop: Living Up to Our Promise of Change," beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by a virtual reception at 12:30 p.m.

Register for this free event online.