CCU Professor Teaches in Lithuania as a Fulbright Scholar
Dr. Windy Counsell Petrie, an associate professor of English at Colorado Christian University (CCU), recently completed her term as a Fulbright Scholar at Lithuania's Vilnius University. In addition to teaching a fourth-year course at Vilnius that examined the individual's role in local and global community as portrayed in 20th century world literature, she helped develop curriculum, performed research, spoke in seminars at other Lithuanian universities, and presented on current American literary fiction at an international conference. Dr. Petrie is scheduled to return to the CCU faculty to begin the spring 2007 semester.
Dr. Petrie's areas of expertise include the novel, Civil War to World War II American literature, 19th and early 20th century British literature, and autobiography. She holds a Doctorate and Master of Arts in English from the University of Delaware and has taught at CCU for five years. Having published articles and presented conference papers on subjects such as American literary autobiography, the literary market during the Great Depression, and also African-American literature, her current research explores the role of the Bible in 19th century novels that deal with poverty and the working class.
The Fulbright Scholar Program sends approximately 800 professionals abroad each year on the basis of academic or professional achievement and for demonstrating exceptional leadership in their field. The program operates worldwide and is one of America's flagship international exchange activities. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, it was designed to develop mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other nations through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills.
"We are very proud of Dr. Petrie's achievements which have been recognized by the Fulbright Scholar Program," commented CCU President Bill Armstrong. "This further affirms our university's core commitment to academic excellence and leadership development."
CCU plays an active role in the global community through annual mission trips and academic activities such as the various Fulbright programs. Many graduates of the university are currently overseas, teaching in locations like Istanbul or serving as missionaries in regions that include Russia's Caucus Mountains.