NWC News Desk

NWC brings Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence to campus

Posted August 23, 2007
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P O W E L L, W y o. - Northwest College, long recognized for its diverse international student population and multi-cultural learning opportunities, is kicking it up a notch this year by bringing to campus a Fulbright Scholar.

The college recently received approval for a Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence Grant that will bring Vietnamese scholar Le Huy Hoang to campus for the entire Spring 2008 semester. The timing of the residency crowns what's expected to be an exceptional year for NWC diversity - nearly 50 international students, a record number, are enrolled for 2007-08.

Le currently resides in Tra Vinh Town, Tra Vinh province, a primarily agricultural region located approximately 124 miles from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city. He is dean of economics and head of international collaboration at Tra Vinh University, a community college. He's also the executive secretary of the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges (VACC).

Taten Sheridan, NWC's grants writer and coordinator, said Le's role with the VACC and knowledge of the widely diverse country of Vietnam puts him in an excellent position to serve as a liaison between the VACC and Northwest College. The two entities are interested in creating future exchange programs and other opportunities between the two educational systems and cultures.

Le's residency will provide like measures of give and take - he's charged with learning more about Wyoming and American culture and education, but he's also expected to participate in a wide range of academic and community activities to share the culture and education of his homeland.

He will teach a credit course titled Vietnam in the World and is expected to serve as a guest lecturer in a variety of other courses, as well as participate in campus events, most notably the ever-popular Multicultural Series. Other plans in progress include presentations to local community groups and a public program in Cody.

More details about Le and his scheduled activities will be available later in the year.

Individuals and community groups interested in tapping Le for programs and presentations are encouraged to contact Harriet Bloom-Wilson , an assistant professor of French and international student recruiter and adviser at NWC. She can also be reached toll-free at (800) 560-4692, ext. 6429, or locally at 754-6429.