Timeline

In 1975, the Kentucky Institute for International Studies, headquartered at Murray State University, initiated its study abroad programs with one study site in Bregenz, Austria.

In 1981, the Center for International Programs was designated as a division of the university whose mission was to oversee the development of international education as an integral part of the university's mission.

This mission was seen as seven-fold:

The integration of a global emphasis across the curriculum
The initiation of global studies degree offerings
The encouragement of faculty to conduct
research and to teach abroad
The development of academic programs
abroad for students
The development of an intensive English
program for non-speakers
The development of support services
for international students
The enhancement of support for
visiting scholars and teachers from abroad

The Center for International Programs was composed not only of its permanent staff, but was spearheaded in all of its initiatives by faculty across the campus. The many volunteer committees that made up the Center worked diligently to satisfy the universityās mission for internationalizing the curriculum and providing faculty and students alike with programs to supplement their campus experience here.

By 1988, a full time International Student Adviser had been added to the support staff at the Center; a full-time international student admissions clerk was in place; agreements with international institutions and the development of short-term study abroad programs had occurred -- including, by 1982, a second study abroad consortia, the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad, headquartered at Northern Kentucky University.

By 1992, the Center for International Programs was enlarged to include 4 full-time staff members, graduate assistants and student workers. The universityās Task Force on International Education was formed to establish planning and policy for internationalizing the curriculum.

By 1993, the Board of Regents approved the revision of the university's mission statement as follows:

"Murray State University shall prepare graduates who can function in a culturally diverse and increasingly interdependent world, by making a commitment to international education as an integral dimension of the university experience"

Additionally in 1993, the university approved the development of the English Language Institute, an intensive English language program to serve non-speakers.

In 1995, the Global Studies Degree Program was approved. This program provides an Area in International Business for students in the College of Business and Public Affairs, a second Major in Global Studies and a Minor in Global Studies to support the curriculum of any student on campus. At the same time, the university began the work of developing a Masterās in International Relations.

In 1997, the University Studies component of the university's general education requirements for all students was revised to represent a global emphasis.

In 1998, the university combined the Center for International Programs and the English Language Institute into one single division - The Institute for International Studies. This new division now employs some 20 individuals, including ESL Program instructors. This union brought together all aspects of the university's original mission for international education, and allowed for an enlargement of this mission to include:

Special Programs for K-12 teachers, special groups,
and businesses
An increased search for grant-support
for internationally-oriented programs and students
A dedicated recruitment effort abroad
for new students and new programs

By 1999, over 400 students had successfully completed the six-leveled ESL (English as Second Language) program of study, and many of these students remained at MSU to complete academic degrees.

By 2000, university students were able to choose from 37 study abroad programs in 23 countries, ten of which were at least one semester in length. Additionally, internship programs in other countries and study experiences abroad for K-12 teachers had been developed.

Statistics - Between 1981 and 2000

Agreements for exchange of faculty and/or students, or Letters of Intent to Cooperate have been made with 19 international institutions.

Over 1000 MSU students have studied abroad on a university-sponsored program.

By 1999, The Kentucky Institute for International Studies offered 17 programs abroad. The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad offered 10. International Business Seminars offered 3. And MSU had 7 student exchange programs.

Over 200 MSU faculty have taught abroad on study abroad programs or at exchange institutions

The M.S. in Economics is being offered abroad in Hong Kong and the development of similar degree programs in other countries is under consideration.

Federally-supported programs for international students have brought students from Central America and the Former Soviet Union for some twelve years.

Murray State's international student population represents the largest percentage of any Kentucky student body (over 4 percent of the total), with students from 62 countries on campus.

Nearly 200 visiting scholars and teachers have spent at least one semester at MSU during this period, and several international faculty have been added as permanent teaching staff.

The change in MSU's emphasis on international education can be seen in the increase in support staff for this mission, from 1 full-time to 20 full-time employees, including ESL faculty.

Conclusion

The Institute for International Studies has developed from the volunteer dedication and energies of the Murray State faculty. Without full faculty oversight and involvement, the mission of international education at MSU cannot be fulfilled.



	Home Study Abroad International Students ESL Program Faculty Resources International Events Calendar Our Staff Download Forms Inst. Intl. Studies 165 Woods Hall Murray State Univ. Murray, KY 42071 Phone: 270.809.4152 Fax: 270.809.3237 Email Us		History of International Education at MSU IIS > History Timeline In 1975, the Kentucky Institute for International Studies, headquartered at Murray State University, initiated its study abroad programs with one study site in Bregenz, Austria. In 1981, the Center for International Programs was designated as a division of the university whose mission was to oversee the development of international education as an integral part of the university's mission. This mission was seen as seven-fold: The integration of a global emphasis across the curriculum The initiation of global studies degree offerings The encouragement of faculty to conduct research and to teach abroad The development of academic programs abroad for students The development of an intensive English program for non-speakers The development of support services for international students The enhancement of support for visiting scholars and teachers from abroad The Center for International Programs was composed not only of its permanent staff, but was spearheaded in all of its initiatives by faculty across the campus. The many volunteer committees that made up the Center worked diligently to satisfy the universityās mission for internationalizing the curriculum and providing faculty and students alike with programs to supplement their campus experience here. By 1988, a full time International Student Adviser had been added to the support staff at the Center; a full-time international student admissions clerk was in place; agreements with international institutions and the development of short-term study abroad programs had occurred -- including, by 1982, a second study abroad consortia, the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad, headquartered at Northern Kentucky University. By 1992, the Center for International Programs was enlarged to include 4 full-time staff members, graduate assistants and student workers. The universityās Task Force on International Education was formed to establish planning and policy for internationalizing the curriculum. By 1993, the Board of Regents approved the revision of the university's mission statement as follows: "Murray State University shall prepare graduates who can function in a culturally diverse and increasingly interdependent world, by making a commitment to international education as an integral dimension of the university experience" Additionally in 1993, the university approved the development of the English Language Institute, an intensive English language program to serve non-speakers. In 1995, the Global Studies Degree Program was approved. This program provides an Area in International Business for students in the College of Business and Public Affairs, a second Major in Global Studies and a Minor in Global Studies to support the curriculum of any student on campus. At the same time, the university began the work of developing a Masterās in International Relations. In 1997, the University Studies component of the university's general education requirements for all students was revised to represent a global emphasis. In 1998, the university combined the Center for International Programs and the English Language Institute into one single division - The Institute for International Studies. This new division now employs some 20 individuals, including ESL Program instructors. This union brought together all aspects of the university's original mission for international education, and allowed for an enlargement of this mission to include: Special Programs for K-12 teachers, special groups, and businesses An increased search for grant-support for internationally-oriented programs and students A dedicated recruitment effort abroad for new students and new programs By 1999, over 400 students had successfully completed the six-leveled ESL (English as Second Language) program of study, and many of these students remained at MSU to complete academic degrees. By 2000, university students were able to choose from 37 study abroad programs in 23 countries, ten of which were at least one semester in length. Additionally, internship programs in other countries and study experiences abroad for K-12 teachers had been developed. Statistics - Between 1981 and 2000 Agreements for exchange of faculty and/or students, or Letters of Intent to Cooperate have been made with 19 international institutions. Over 1000 MSU students have studied abroad on a university-sponsored program. By 1999, The Kentucky Institute for International Studies offered 17 programs abroad. The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad offered 10. International Business Seminars offered 3. And MSU had 7 student exchange programs. Over 200 MSU faculty have taught abroad on study abroad programs or at exchange institutions The M.S. in Economics is being offered abroad in Hong Kong and the development of similar degree programs in other countries is under consideration. Federally-supported programs for international students have brought students from Central America and the Former Soviet Union for some twelve years. Murray State's international student population represents the largest percentage of any Kentucky student body (over 4 percent of the total), with students from 62 countries on campus. Nearly 200 visiting scholars and teachers have spent at least one semester at MSU during this period, and several international faculty have been added as permanent teaching staff. The change in MSU's emphasis on international education can be seen in the increase in support staff for this mission, from 1 full-time to 20 full-time employees, including ESL faculty. Conclusion The Institute for International Studies has developed from the volunteer dedication and energies of the Murray State faculty. Without full faculty oversight and involvement, the mission of international education at MSU cannot be fulfilled.



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