The 2022 White Award for Internationalization was recently awarded to Associate Professor of Music and Music Education Amy Spears. The award recognizes individuals who have furthered the internationalization of NWU's campus, curriculum, students and employees. The White Award exists to honor NWU's 14th president, John White and his spouse Marty, for their many years of service to Nebraska Wesleyan.
Spears receives the award for her engagement with world music and her service, teaching and research within the African continent. Using these three pillars of academic work, she internationalizes NWU's curriculum and students, and the wider community.
"Amy has been doing impressive work to internationalize campus through her research and teaching," stated Assistant Professor of Political Science Kelly Baur. "For the past three summers, Amy has brought World Music Drumming workshops to NWU, taking on a significant amount of work to increase our reputation and support the university and local teachers to internationalize their work."
Due to travel restrictions, Spears is also embracing virtual global engagement so that students can continue to learn from African music scholars and musicians.
" [Amy takes] on a significant amount of work to increase our reputation and support the university and local teachers to internationalize their work"
Mary Hickman, Assistant Professor of English commented, "I have found it especially fulfilling to have an engaged and talented colleague with which to discuss and plan new ventures that furthers the internationalization of NWU. I will also say that I am impressed with the way that she continues to expand her own horizons post-tenure, displaying great curiosity, vulnerability, and initiative."
In 2019, Spears traveled to Rwanda with a fellow faculty member and students to learn about the complexity of genocide and reconciliation. Her adventurous and collaborative nature helped facilitate a summer faculty-led study abroad program to Rwanda this summer.
Spears is preparing for a year-long international sabbatical to collaborate with music educators in both Ghana and England. Her sabbatical will focus on developing innovative curriculum that further elevates cross-cultural experiences for students.
Congratulations, Amy! Thank you for all you do to facilitate global citizenship.