Lauren Johnson of MVC Receives Exclusive Invitation to Overseas Faculty Development Seminar
In a significant recognition of academic excellence and global engagement, Moreno Valley College is pleased to announce that Lauren "Ally" Johnson, Ph.D., assistant professor, art history, has been awarded a spot in the Overseas Faculty Development Seminar with the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC). This competitive program provides a unique opportunity for faculty members from United States community colleges and minority-serving institutions to gain invaluable international experience.
Johnson is one of only 27 faculty members selected nationwide to participate in the January 2025 program, and she stands out as the only representative from California to travel to India for the seminar. Her colleague from Riverside City College, Deborah Anna Brown, Ph.D., will attend a separate seminar focused on West Africa and the diaspora.
The Overseas Faculty Development Seminar offers a fully funded opportunity for faculty members to gain invaluable international experience aimed at developing and improving international courses, curricula, and teaching materials at their home institutions. Sponsored by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the initiative emphasizes the importance of global engagement in higher education, equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in an interconnected world.
Johnson will participate in the Sustainability through Urban and Agricultural India seminar, which includes visits to key cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. The knowledge and insights gained from this experience will play an essential role in her work with the MVC Sustainability Workgroup and will inform her plans for a future exhibition at the MVC Art Gallery centered on her studies in India.
In recognition of this remarkable achievement, Majd S. Askar, vice president, Business Services, expressed her enthusiasm, stating:
“I am excited to hear that Professor Johnson has been awarded the opportunity to participate in the Overseas Faculty Development Seminar. As a valued member of the MVC Sustainability Workgroup, this opportunity will not only enhance her expertise but also allow her to bring back innovative ideas and practices to further strengthen our sustainability beliefs and foundations.”
Moreno Valley College is committed to fostering an enriching educational environment that promotes faculty excellence and encourages innovative teaching practices. Johnson’s participation in this seminar reflects the College's dedication to professional development and global engagement, inspiring future generations of students to explore and understand diverse cultures and perspectives.