Failure

There are few things worse in higher education than watching talented and smart students walk out the door in defeat. When that happens, there often are multiple factors that come into play, but perhaps none is worse than when the student believes he/she was treated poorly while on campus. Faculty who consistently show genuine care …

CGTN: It’s time for the U.S. to end its failed “China Initiative”

In my latest editorial for CGTN, I outline why the Biden administration has to end the failed "China Initiative" now. We must not mince words here: The "China Initiative" has nothing to do with uncovering educators who are seeking to share important research findings with China. And it has nothing to do with national security. …

I’m staying in higher education. You should, too.

There’s been significant chatter of late from people who are choosing to leave higher education. In some cases, tenured faculty are heading for the exit. In many others, part-time adjuncts are choosing to throw in the towel.  My academic department at Robert Morris University hasn’t been immune to this loss of talent. Two of my …

China Focus: Biden could improve U.S.-China relations by ditching the “China Initiative” but…

In my latest editorial for China Focus, I examine why President Biden could -- but will not -- abandon the "China Initiative" that has harmed U.S.-Chinese relations. Biden will be strategic, and those of us who want to see the “China Initiative” go away should expect the administration to abandon current cases against Chinese scholars …

Faculty at Tennessee want Anming Hu to return

For the second time in as many weeks, the faculty at a prominent U.S. university are standing up for Chinese scholars. We can hope this trend continues.  This time, the loud voices of support are coming from the University of Tennessee. Professors at that institution are demanding Anming Hu be reinstated with back pay and …

CGTN: U.S. academics show a spine, support their Chinese colleagues

In my latest editorial for CGTN, I commend a group of U.S. professors for supporting their Chinese colleagues working throughout America. And I demand more. Although mine is only one voice, I have written and spoken often about the need for colleges and universities in the U.S. and China to lead the way in promoting …

A quiz to determine if you are pro-life

By answering just a few questions, you can determine if you are pro-life. So, grab your pencil and a note pad. The rules are rather simple: Answer yes or no to the following 10 questions. Then add up the total number of yes responses. Ready? Here we go. Do you believe life begins at conception, …

Your professional mission and vision statements

The initial meeting of my Communication Seminar course was last evening. And it's in that first class that I talk to students about establishing their professional mission and vision statements. I remind them that their mission statement is what they do and their vision statement is what they aspire to be. I suggest that these …

The Diplomat: Challenges remain in place as U.S. prepares to again welcome Chinese students

The Diplomat notes that there's good and bad news when examining the expected resurgence of Chinese students at U.S. universities. There is a real danger in extreme politicization of a nationality, especially in the current climate of China-U.S. relations. Renewing commitment to academic freedom and the promotion of academic exchange should be an evergreen priority. …