Interim Director of International Education

Dr. Sam Faulkner, associate professor of social work, has taken over the reins of Morehead State University’s Office of International Education as interim director.

As director, Dr. Faulkner will oversee the three main areas of the office: study abroad program opportunities; international students’ enrollment/education at MSU; and the international scholars who come to campus for various educational programs. He said that currently, there are nearly 60 international students enrolled here, and that four Chinese visiting scholars are slated to arrive on campus in February.

“In addition, what I intend to do this semester is to look at three universities in the state that are really setting the bar high for international education and study abroad,” he said. Dr. Faulkner plans to visit the campus of Northern Kentucky University, Murray State University and Western Kentucky University, and integrate some of their successful practices into Morehead State’s educational program.

Dr. Faulkner received the Ph.D. degree from the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he also earned a master’s degree. Additionally, he is a two-time graduate of Texas A & M University at Corpus Christi, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling. He holds licenses as a social work associate, a licensed chemical dependency counselor, and also is a certified oral board examiner for the state of Alaska. He has been on MSU’s social work faculty since 2001.
His international education experience includes serving as a teacher in the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA) England-Scotland program in 2004. He also was a facilitator for the London component for 2006-07.

“I’m really excited about international education in general, and am looking forward to helping our students to gain a more global perspective,” he said. “I strongly believe that in our global economy, an appreciation of other cultures and other peoples is vital.”

Additional information is available by calling Dr. Faulkner in the international education office at (606) 783-2096.

Hawaiian Islands

Sam and I stayed on the island of OAHU. Our hotel was on the Waikiki beach that is just southwest of Honolulu (the capital of Hawaii).

Whale Watching

While on the whale watching boat, we made lei's. I gave mine to a young girl before leaving the boat for the airport.
This volcanic mound is called Diamond Head and is a popular tourist hiking spot.

We spotted Humpback whales from the Star of Honolulu.

Surfing

This poignant picture reveals Sam's longing for his surfer days.
Surfing was everywhere. This is Waikiki beach...notice tha canoe?

Turtle Bay

We stopped at Turtle Bay, just past the North Shore.

The beach at Turtle Bay is beautiful and secluded. It is for the wealthy...we didn't stay long :-).

Hanuama Bay Wildlife Preserve

We visited a wildlife preserve where snorkling is very popular because of the protected reefs. The water was too cold for us to attempt this activity.
The water is so clear that you can see a shell at the bottom of several feet of water.
Whale sitings are common at this time of year. Humpback whales come to the area from Alaska to birth their babies in the warmer water. They have live single births, just like humans and nurse their young for seven months.

Dole Plantation

We drove to the Dole Pineapple Plantation. They no longer export their pineapple because it is cheaper for the US to get it elsewhere
The pineapple demonstration showed us how to cut and serve the pineapple. We all got to eat it and I have to honestly say that it is the BEST fruit I have ever tasted!

While at the plantation, a local artist was there selling her prints. We bought one that says "Knowledge is Power." She dedicated it to Dr. Faulkner because we cannot decide who will get to put in in her/his office.

Presentation

Cindy presented with a colleague at the Hawaii International Conference on Education. Our presentation was titled "Evaluation of Online Classes using the Seven Principles of Effective Teaching."

Luau

At the Luau we had a feast that featured a pig baked all days in the ground with hot coals.
The dancing was phenomenal! I am including some video clips. It was dark but keep watching the clips...you will be amazed.

We went to a LUAU our last night in Ohau. The hand signal you see means "hang loose" or "shaka" in Hawaiian. It is representative of the attitude in Hawaii. The speed limit was no faster that 45 MPH anywhere on the island and the common speed limit is 35 MPH.
Aloha means "hello", "goodbye" and "love". We were greeted everywhere with Aloha (with love).

Pearl Harbor

We visited Pearl Harbor to pay respect to the over 1,000 service personnel buried with the USS Arizona.

While at the memorial, an historian and author was autographing his new book. We immediately thought of Jan.

Here is the author with Cindy.

The memorial sits over the remains of the USS Arizona. Parts of the battleship are visible from the windows.
The buried at sea are forever recorded in marble. People bring flowers and lei's to leave at this wall in rememberance.

Waikiki, Hawaii

The International Market is located in downtown Waikiki. It is a large market of local vendors.
This wondeful woman was at the International Market. She weaves baskets and makes other items from leaves. We purchased a photo album covered with textured leaves.

This is the wondeful beach of Waikiki outside of Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

A look from our hotel room balcony. We stayed in Waikiki.

Happy Charmas

Tristan's 2007 Christmas card is very "Charming."

Miata Madness

This is Sam's favorite toy. It is so much fun to make short trips!

Family Pets

MITCHELL is a newer addition. We rescued him from starvation. He is missing his foot on his back left leg but gets around pretty good. He is an outside dog.

CHARLIE is our labrador. She has developed arthritis in her back left leg but is still the sweetest dog around.

This is TRUMAN. He was our first recued cat.
This pretty cat was rescued from a neighbor. Willow originally named it "Lilly" but he turned out to be a boy. His name is now DEXTER.