Academic revival of history classes is what Andreas Daum, Ph.D., is best known for. Daum's dedication to the importance of academics has earned him an appointment as associate dean for undergraduate education.
Daum, who has been a UB faculty member since 2002, has written several books and conducted research in fields such as the history of science and knowledge, as well as cultural and political history. He was also a faculty fellow for undergraduate education at UB and has worked in many other fellowships.
During his tenure, Daum will be focusing on several goals: infusing global influences into the general education curriculum, the Undergraduate Academy and training in foreign cultures.
As associate dean, Daum will also be responsible for facilitating dialogue between people involved in undergraduate education.
"A job like mine means a lot of committee meetings and communication with others," Daum said.
Daum hopes he will be able to follow suit with other universities by establishing programs such as certificates or majors that feature international issues. He believes he can achieve this goal through learning from universities that have already integrated internationalized programs into their curriculum successfully.
"We need to look at where we are, what we want to do and what we can do to get there," Daum said.
According to Daum, the initial steps to increase undergraduate awareness of global issues have been taken; UB leaders have taken an interest in the issue and have made it a priority for the administration. Currently, plans proposed by UB's International Strategy Task Group are being put into motion.
Daum noted that the Undergraduate Academy, which will be introduced in 2008, will focus on international involvement as an example of how existing programs can work to serve students' need for international perspectives.
The Study Abroad program is an important opportunity for students to increase their international exposure, according to Daum, although he acknowledges certain factors exclude students from participating.
Daum hopes to secure an increase in funding for studying abroad, because programs such as the Jeremy Jacobs Fellowship that finances many students' travels is quickly being exhausted.
Daum feels his personal background has served him well and prepared him for this position. As a native of Germany, Daum's experiences being schooled outside the United States has taught him how to facilitate international education.
"I know the feeling of alienation," he said.
World-renowned history scholar Georg Iggers, Daum's predecessor in the history department, bolstered Daum's interests in making UB his academic home. He found that with a large international student population and strategic location, UB was well suited for international expansion.
"We can truly exploit the richness of this region," Daum said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
