A Sense of Mission — Adams Enters Second Decade as FDU President (Part 5)

 

A Decade of Distinction — FDU Magazine Summer/Fall 2009
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A Sense of Mission (Part 4)

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he desire to move forward has Adams constantly on the move. In fact, as the University built momentum, Adams’ reputation in the field of global education grew, and he expanded his involvement in international circles. For example, he was invited to join the steering committee of the World Bank’s Researchers Alliance for Development, which helps integrate education with development opportunities. He was also selected to serve on the editorial advisory board for International Educator, the flagship bimonthly magazine of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. He has twice been among a select group of university presidents invited to Washington, D.C., for summits on global development and international education.

"Coming of Age in a Globalized World: The Next Generation, co-authored by President Michael Adams, was published in 2006. The book, which has been adopted by numerous colleges around the country, explores the impact of globalization, the need for global education and the case for global citizenship.

In addition, he has become very active with the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), an organization of more than 700 college presidents around the world dedicated to encouraging educational collaborations and promoting peace and international understanding through education. The organization has a special connection to Fairleigh Dickinson: Peter Sammartino co-founded the IAUP and served as its first president. Its first conference was held at FDU’s Wroxton College in 1964.

Adams is following in Sammartino’s footsteps. In 2008, he was named presidentelect of the IAUP, which means he will be the international president from 2011 through 2014. He also is chair of the IAUP North American Council and is an IAUP representative to the United Nations. “We have worked very hard to renew FDU’s influence and involvement in the IAUP,” Adams says. “I’m especially pleased to continue the work of Peter Sammartino in this regard.”

One proposal led by Adams, called REACHED (Regional Economic Acceleration Caused by Higher Education Development) unites IAUP and the World Bank in an effort to link universities with development efforts in poor countries. In another FDU-led program, the United Nations is creating a network of universities (called the U.N. Academic Impact www.academicimpact.org) committed to working with the world body and advancing its mission.

These international efforts have important benefits, says Adams. “Such activities help us spread the message about FDU and enhance the worldwide reputation of the University. They also well complement our mission. When an FDU delegate goes into the world, we bring the world back to FDU. If I can use my influence to have faculty appointed to international commissions or organizations, that will enhance their professional pursuits and enable them to bring that expertise and passion to the University. When I appointed Frank Brunetti [FDU professor of law and taxation] to serve on a United Nations commission on international tax matters, I knew that he would bring back substance and content to the classroom and spread awareness about Fairleigh Dickinson University. When students traveled to Paris to attend an international conference on human rights, they brought insight and energy back to the campus.”

As Adams looks ahead, he promises to strike a balance between connecting the University to the larger world and being active within the University community itself. “It’s the same balance Peter Sammartino handled so skillfully. He brought the world to campus, while also helping to build the University and energize the community.”

If he could, Adams says he would thank Sammartino for “adapting to the many changes swirling around, for building an incredible institution and for providing such an inspiring legacy for future generations.”

Adams doesn’t spend much time thinking about what his legacy will be. He says there’s too much work still ahead, and he’s too focused on what the University can be. “My challenge for the future is to further build distinction for this University. We will enhance the position of Fairleigh Dickinson among higher education institutions in America and throughout the world.”

But for him it’s ultimately about making a difference on a personal level. Adams says, “You make a legacy by giving others opportunities. That’s what Peter Sammartino did. That’s what we are now doing at FDU. My hope for the future is that all of our graduates can say that FDU changed their lives and that their world grew bigger.”Article End

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On a Mission | Making the Mission Real | Making It Personal | Moving Globally

A Message from J. Michael Adams

   

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Link to Article "A Sense of Mission" Link to Faculty Profile — Jason Scorza Link to Mission Milestones & Highlights — FDU-Vancouver Link to New and Enhanced Facilities Link to Athletics Accomplishments Link to A New Culture of Philanthropy Link to FDU Alumni Association Link to A Message from J. Michael Adams