Ugandan Fulbright Scholar brings international presence to Harper

Jimrex Byamugisha has been a central player in Uganda's national conversation on climate change, HIV/AIDS, child labor and the World Vision organization's efforts to battle systemic poverty. This fall, the statistician, economist and educator is bringing his vast expertise and international perspective to Harper College as a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence.

"To develop globally competent students, you need globally minded faculty," said Dr. Richard Johnson, director of the Office of International Education at Harper. "His visit provides the college with a unique opportunity to offer transformative educational experiences to our students."

Byamugisha, a lecturer at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, is a highly visible presence on campus this semester. He's serving as a guest lecturer, conducting faculty workshops on curriculum development and making presentations on a variety of East African topics. Community outreach is also a focus, with Byamugisha speaking at local high schools, organizations such as the Arlington Heights Rotary Club and other community colleges throughout the Midwest.

Byamugisha's visit boosts Harper's commitment to internationalizing its curriculum and globalizing its students' educational experiences. The mission of the Office of International Education is to effectively prepare students for careers and citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world.

Byamugisha's motivation to effect change is largely rooted in his upbringing. His family was forced to flee their rural home as a result of the Liberation War in 1979. Both his parents died during his formative teenage years, and he had to look after his siblings. He's still struck by the kindness of a neighbor who mentored him and paid his tuition.

From Byamugisha's perspective, "Global Education is a clarion call to all of us teaching in institutions of higher learning that our students today are our messengers into a future we shall never see and into a world we may never visit," he said. "Hence, preparing them today for global importance and relevance is paramount."

Harper is currently in the second year of a three-year regional focus on East Africa, home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world. Last year emphasized faculty development, Byamugisha is the central pillar to this year's focus and next year will launch a student study abroad experience.

"It is vital for Harper students to understand a region of the world that will grow in global significance during their careers and lives," Johnson said. "The probability that our students will work for employers with business interests or connections to emerging markets including Africa is high."

Byamugisha said he's already impressed with the importance Harper places on working toward the common good of the student - an approach not readily found at many research and four-year institutions.

"It's clear that this is a loving community that works as a family, and that can be the biggest resource of all," Byamugisha said.

Since 1997, Harper has hosted five Fulbright Scholars. Harper was one of six community colleges across the country selected this year to independently host a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence.

For information on Byamugisha's visit, go to dept.harpercollege.edu/international.

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