Troy chancellor addresses globalization’s demands on education

By Jim Cook

Published: January 6, 2009

Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins told educators on Tuesday that they faced a tough challenge in preparing students to compete in a global economy.

Hawkins noted in his speech that in the near future, the nation with the largest population of English speakers in the world will be China. He also pointed out China and India’s growing economies and the economic challenges these countries could pose to America in the near future.

“As we have brought international students to this state, we have looked into their eyes and seen the hunger we used to see in the eyes of most of the students in this country,” Hawkins said. “It’s there. I think we have to wake up. We’re in a competitive world and we have to prepare our students not to compete with those from next door, but those from other countries.”

Hawkins stressed the need for educators to be good role models and to teach their students about leadership. Hawkins also said offering more study abroad opportunities was imperative to prepare students to compete in a global economy.

Hawkins’ speech was part of an education conference put on by Troy University to provide teacher training.

At the conference, Troy education faculty members led 14 workshops on topics including increasing parent involvement and using technology and art in the classroom, among other topics.

Rodney Davis, associate professor of education, said the event allows post-secondary and K-12 educators to confer about ways to better provide a comprehensive, quality education.

“It’s not about us getting a bunch of teachers together and telling them what to do, but bringing teachers together and asking them what can we do to help,” he said.