When speaking with Dr. Thomas J. Ward, who is the Dean of the International College at UB, he mentioned several important new improvements to the department’s programs and facilities. With about 180 students currently enrolled in the college’s programs, Dr. Ward was able to say that “We have had significant growth in several programs.” It is estimated that enrollment has doubled in the last four years in the college’s different fields of study including International Political Economy and Diplomacy (IPED), Mass Communications, Social Science, World Religions, and the newly initiated Martial Arts Studies program.
In regards to this growth, the International College has added several courses and programs in response to student and faculty interest. In the recently initiated Martial Arts program at UB, two professors have been approached to lead the initiative to ensure the program’s growth. One is existing professor, Mark Setton who is a specialist in East Asian thought as well as the recently recruited Yong Bom Kim will be leading the Martial Arts program a UB. Also, the International College is always on its feet to spread understanding of current events into the classroom. Thus, it was no mistake when the college decided to offer courses such as the Politics of Oil and Religion and Politics of the Middle East. These were added after interest from the students and with the ambition to provide an international understanding of the current events of Iraq in particular, and the Middle East in general. Another key area of the international college has always been its World Religions department where it is the hopes of the faculty that a better understanding of different religions will give us a better understanding of other people. One particularly unique and controversial course that is offered every few semesters is entitled “Unification Thought” and is focused on the teachings and practices of Rev. Moon of the Unification Church. While there may be several opinions and rumors about these so-called “Moonies,” the class has been solely set up to shed light on the teachings of the religion and provide a view into another faith.
The facilities of the International College have also been upgraded with the Mass Communications lab on the fifth floor of the Wahlstrom Library being outfitted with up-to-date computers and software, as well as a flat screen television and LCD projector for lectures. Dr. Ward has taken the initiative and agreed to take on the advisorship of the International Awareness Club (IAC) on campus which further seeks to broaden international relations with educational programs and a Model United Nations conference/competition. According to Dr. Ward, the IAC has brought home three gold and two silver medals from the last competition.
Dr. Ward has great hopes for the International College in all the accomplishments of not just the students, but of the faculty as well. Just to mention a few of the accomplishments of the International College include Professor Setton who is currently presenting a paper on east Asian thought, Professors Yu and Zhu attending the national conference for the Political Science Association, and there are plans for Professor Zhu to publish a book. Dr. Ward could not be more satisfied with the faculty members who help to keep the International College improving with every day.
University of Bridgeport
Monday, July 14, 2025