Top Sociological Author to Address A&M International Faculty Convocation

One of the nation's foremost thinkers on the multiple impacts of demographic changes will address members of the Texas A&M International University faculty at Fall Convocation exercises Monday, Jan. 8.

Dr. Arthur L. Anderson, author of the seminal sociological book Divided We Fall (1999), and professor of Sociology at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn., will serve as guest speaker.

University provost Dr. Ray Keck said Dr. Anderson's appearance at Fall Convocation will provide the University with an eye-opening look at how demographics affect all.

"Dr. Anderson will help to lead us in an understanding of the realities of demographics for our communities, students, institutions like ours and social organizations as a whole. We are fortunate to have a visionary thinker of his calibre address our Convocation," Dr. Keck explained.

Spring Convocation is the official start of the academic calendar for the University's faculty and administration for the year 2001. In addition to faculty and administrative staff, The Texas A&M University System Chancellor, Howard D. Graves, will also be on hand. President Charles Jennett will provide a State of the Union address on the University to date and for the near future.

Dr. Anderson, who has been a frequent contributor to the Governor's Executive Development Program at the University of Texas-Austin, is scheduled to lecture on "America's Changing Values: Social and Demographic Trends Affecting Higher Education in the New Millennium."

In addition to his University teaching and research, Anderson is a frequent consultant and faculty member in the management and executive development programs of both business and non-profit institutions in the U.S. and internationally.

His experience has involved him extensively in the banking and insurance industries, and in the manufacturing sector with firms such as GE, 3M, IBM, Pitney Bowes, CLECO and Armstrong World Industries.

In addition to his work with the UT-Austin, he is also a regular faculty member in development programs for the public sector for state government officials and universities including Columbia University, Louisiana State University and Southern Methodist University.

He has been a recipient of many awards including The Institute for Management Studies' Distinguished Faculty Award, presented to only 12 individuals over the past 25 years.

In 1998, the students of Fairfield University elected him for their "Faculty of the Year" Award and last year dedicated their Yearbook in his honor.

Anderson is presently working on a five-country study of the globalization of values in an international economy.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326.2180, email to pais@tamiu.edu, or visit offices in Killam Library 268.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu