Donation Creates World of Opportunity for USU International Relations

Donation Creates World of Opportunity for Utah State University International Relations

International research relationships are being established between Utah State University and higher education institutions in Russia, thanks to a generous donation from Utah State alumnus Vernon M. Buehler.

Buehler, also a former Utah State professor, provided the funding necessary to bring Inal Kabaloev, expert English/Russian interpreter and world economist with backgrounds in international relations, translating and math, to Utah State.

Jean Pratt, assistant professor for business information systems at Utah State, is researching the integration of e-commerce web design at the university level in order to increase e-commerce opportunities for businesses in Russia. Kabaloev, who already teaches e-commerce web design in Russia, will learn the software applications and design principles associated with the E-Commerce Web Design course and translate all course materials into Russian.

"There's not a better fit for this project," said Pratt. "We hope to be able to get our web design course into the UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) Knowledge Base for Higher Education so it will become part of the standardized curricula throughout Russia."

UNESCO accepts proposals from educators interested in participating in efforts to create a high-quality standard of instruction for Russia, the former Soviet Union Republics, China and Africa. Any course that gets into this knowledge base is subjected to high-quality checks.

"Dr. Buehler's generous contribution was the essential component that allowed this research to come to fruition and be instrumental in making an international impact," said Pratt. "Success of this project may lead to future grants and collaborative agreements between the United States and Russia. This will provide our students with global economics awareness and opportunities for international studies."

Buehler became interested in this project because of his background. He is the founder of the Partners in Business seminars, and when he retired from Utah State after 21 years as a professor of economics and management, he began consulting for business programs in the United States and then Russia. Buehler volunteered, taught and lectured in Poland and Ukraine and volunteered at Vyatka State Technical University, where he has many ties. He has traveled numerous times with Utah State's study tour to Russia.

Chris Fawson, vice provost of academic and international affairs at Utah State, was instrumental in establishing initial relations in fall 2001 with Alan Ouadati, director of International Information Department at North Ossetian State University (NOSU) in Vladikavkaz, Russia. The current project with Kabaloev builds upon that relationship.

Pratt was earlier awarded a grant from the Women's International Science Collaboration (WISC) to travel to Russia to establish research contacts.

Collaborating with faculty in Russia is advantageous for more than one reason. Fawson, who holds a faculty appointment in the department of economics in the College of Business, is doing research on the economic development of Russia.

"The U.S. is quickly becoming one of the largest trading partners with members of the Russian Federation," said Fawson. "This relationship is characterized by increased mutual understanding, mutual dependency and expanding opportunities for cooperation. At the same time, regions of the Russian Federation have obtained certain independence in external trade regulation, strengthening the pressing need for collaboration with Russian faculty members."

Kabaloev arrived at Utah State on March 9 and will be part of Utah State's faculty until July 1.

"I've never wished strongly before to come to the U.S., but when presented with the opportunity, I decided what a great responsibility I have," said Kabaloev.

Writer: Melissa Peterson, mlpetersen@cc.usu.edu
Contact: Jean A. Pratt (435) 797-797-0331, Jean.Pratt@usu.edu