Plenary Speakers

Laura Ruiz

Education for Development Director, Virtual University at Tec de Monterrey in Mexico

Community Learning Centers: Boundary-Spanning Across Communities and Geography

The Community Learning Center Initiative at Tec de Monterrey, Mexico, was born out of the desire to deliver education to Nuevo León's isolated communities.  Thanks to the Virtual University, it has now become an instrument not only for bridging the digital divide, but it is also driving the educational, social, and economic equality in a model which transcends borders. The learning centers flourish throughout Latin America and the United States.

 

Judith A. Ramaley

President Emerita, Winona State University and Portland State and Distinguished Professor of Public Service, Portland State University

Trans-Discipline Work: Boundary Spanning Across Disciplines in Higher Education

Higher education institutions have been criticized by many for working in silos. Now, 22 years after the book “Scholarship Reconsidered”– which proposed a more blended view of both the disciplines and individual scholarly work– Ernest Boyer’s ideas are coming true! Trans-disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and partner-driven models of research are becoming more common in the work of universities, funding agencies and organizations.

 

Lawrence Schovanec

Interim Provost, Texas Tech University

Crystal Tremblay

Research Coordinator for the UNESCO Chair in Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility, University of Victoria, Canada

Rogerio Abaurre

National Coordinator, HSE-TTUISD Partnership in Brazil

Boundary-Spanning: Engagement Across Disciplines, Communities and Geography

Panelists will share their perspectives on the emergence of engagement “across disciplines, communities & geography.” As we gather together in the closing session, we will have the opportunity to learn from the university and community partners from the U.S., Canada and Brazil.