Kinesiology professor receives award from the Office of International Education
Rose Chepyator-Thomson, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, was one of two University of Georgia faculty members to receive the Richard F. Reiff Internationalization Award from the Office of International Education this year.
The Reiff Award honors a tenured or tenure-track faculty member who has made major contributions to the overall internationalization of the university.
Chepyator-Thomson's teaching, research and service activities illustrate her passion for internationalizing the university. She founded and directs the annual Global Education Forum, hosted by UGA and now in its 10th year, whose mission is to promote cross-cultural understanding in a global context.
The conference attracts internationally renowned scholars to the university and brings together faculty and students across disciplines and cultures to focus on a scholarly theme based in diversity and global development. Open dialogue on issues of race, social inequality and gender are encouraged during the conference. Additionally, she has developed kinesiology courses emphasizing globalism and diversity and leads a study abroad program in her native Kenya.
Chepyator-Thomson's research and publications are focused almost entirely on globalism and diversity, such as multiculturalism in teacher training for physical education, as well as African and global issues related to physical activity and sport. She has received a number of awards for her globally focused activities, including national awards from other universities and organizations.
The University of Georgia Office of International Education honored both Richard Reiff awardees at its annual International Education Awards Reception at the State Botanical Garden in Athens earlier this month.
The annual event honors individuals, faculty and staff who have made outstanding contributions to the university's internationalization. It honors those who advance international education through instruction, research and service through administrative and logistical support.