The Exponent - campus


07-16-2003	Previous edition: 07-14-2003

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Renowned anthropologist joins Purdue faculty

By Kelsey Pithoud
Summer Reporter

An anthropologist who contributed to Papua New Guinea becoming an independent nation has been named dean of International Programs at Purdue.

Riall Nolan plans to "find ways to get more and more Purdue students overseas, make Purdue's international programs even better than they are… and make sure Purdue is an attractive destination for international students," he said.

Nolan's many years of experience working and living abroad have helped him understand international issues. He served in the Peace Corps in West Africa during the late 1960s. Nolan also worked at a university in Papua New Guinea and helped the country develop from a colony to an independent nation in the 1970s. He has lived and worked overseas in other countries as well.

Now Nolan encourages students to "get out of town, culturally, and go and see the world through somebody else's eyes for a while."

His background helps him to explain to students and faculty the importance of studying abroad and understanding other cultures.

"Understanding that there are people in the world who think differently will help students be leaders. Study abroad makes young adults better students and citizens and it makes them much more competitive in the job market. They need to see how business is done in other cultures, as well as how human rights and environmental concerns are viewed in other cultures. Students can't learn these lessons in textbooks," said Nolan in a statement.

Nolan's plan to increase the number of students who study abroad is compatible with the International Program's strategic plan.

Provost Sally Frost Mason said the program's strategic plan calls for a 50 percent increase in the number of Purdue students who study abroad.

"Nolan's enthusiasm and vision will help increase the number of students choosing to study overseas in challenging programs led by Purdue's faculty," she said in a statement.

Nolan's efforts will strengthen the University's strategic plan as well.

Purdue president Martin Jischke said in a statement "Riall Nolan will lead Purdue to new research and engagement collaborations between faculty and partners overseas and expand international experiences for our students."

Purdue appeals to Nolan because of its strong base of international activities.

"Part of the personal attraction of Purdue for me is this land-grant institution's long and distinguished involvement with international activities," said Nolan in a statement.

Nolan expects that the most challenging aspect of his role at Purdue will have to do with people.

He said "the success of any job in university administration is making sure that you connect with all of the appropriate people and that you understand how you can best help them… it's not about me, it's about me helping them.

"A world class university not only sends its students abroad to learn, but also to gain experience by applying their knowledge overseas."

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Renowned anthropologist joins Purdue faculty

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