Bright future ahead: An interview with Dr. Thierry Leger, Senior Associate Dean of CHSS
KENNESAW, Ga. (Mar 16, 2016) — SAUPO Staff Writer: Jilyian Chappel-Couser
Globalization is defined in the Business Dictionary as, “The worldwide movement toward economic, financial, trade, and communications integration”. Under this definition it seems as though the world is being globalized right before our eyes. Major countries are working together more than ever before, but some could use a bit of a push-and that is where SAUPO (Symposium on ASIA-USA Partnership Opportunities) and Kennesaw State University’s (KSU) Asian Studies program step in. SAUPO has expanded vastly since its 2011 inaugural year, so much so there will be two SAUPO conferences held in 2016. The annual conference that takes place in Atlanta’s melting pot will be preceded by a SAUPO summit in Shanghai, China in March. With SAUPO creating major waves for Atlanta and KSU, it was imperative to sit down with KSU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ esteemed Senior Associate Dean, Dr. Thierry Leger, to discuss his thoughts on the future of SAUPO and Asian Studies.
Currently living in America, from Normandy, France, Dr. Leger knows a lot about the opportunities a “globalized” mindset offers. Dr. Leger moved to the United States from his European hometown as a young adult in order to immerse himself in a new culture and to learn more about the world, something he encourages students to do as well. As for his feelings towards SAUPO and Asian studies, he is overwhelmingly supportive saying, “These programs are fairly new ventures that provide great opportunities to learn about almost half of the world’s population.” In addition to serving as Senior Associate Dean, Dr. Leger is also an advisor for the Interdisciplinary Studies Department (ISD) and a Principle Investigator who searches tirelessly for grants that will aid in funding for Asian Studies programs. “Businesses are looking for individuals who are interested in Asian culture, to work both domestically and internationally”, he admits, solidifying his support for Asian Studies.
As for the SAUPO Conference? Dr. Leger feels just as strongly about its success: “[SAUPO is] an Incredible, well organized program equipped with a highly ranked advisory board that brings together high level companies with academics. It promotes interaction between Asia and the United States and helps the nations get an opportunity to understand each other and work together. There are non-governmental organizations (NGO), governmental, business, medical companies attending, and overall great networking opportunities.”
It may be safe to say that Asian Studies, both at KSU and on a global scale, has a bright future ahead! Just as this report was being completed, we learned that the Board of Regents, the government body of the University System of Georgia, approved the new BA in Asian Studies at KSU. Interested students at KSU can declare Asian Studies Major as early as August 2016.
