Politics Prof. William Quandt, an international affairs expert and the outgoing vice provost for international affairs at the University, will speak to students and professors receiving honors at Fall Convocation next Friday.
"We're very excited about having him here to speak," Director of Major Events Pam Higgins said.
Quandt was a member of the National Security Council during the negotiations leading to the Camp David Accords under President Jimmy Carter. He became a University professor in 1994 and was named vice provost for international affairs in 2000 when the position was created. Quandt will return to teaching full-time after he turns over the vice provost position in December.
Quandt said his address likely will discuss the international aspects of education, an area he has focused much energy on during his time as vice provost.
"I'll probably talk about the internationalization of the University and how that's been going and why I think that's a good thing," Quandt said.
Quandt added that he has not settled on an exact topic.
"I've been given no guidelines -- I can say anything I want," he joked. "It's rare and nice," he added.
Fall Convocation is held every year to recognize University members who have excelled.
One professor each year receives the Thomas Jefferson Award, the highest honor a member of the University faculty, administration or staff can receive, Higgins said.
"The award is presented to a member of the University community who has exemplified the principles and ideals of Thomas Jefferson," Higgins said. "It is considered the most prestigious award presented at the University to a member of the faculty and administration."
Last year's Thomas Jefferson Award was awarded to Religious Studies Prof. James Childress. This year's recipient has not been announced because the name always is kept secret until the event.
Students also are recognized at convocation, with the top 20 percent of third-year students who have earned 60 credit hours at the University receiving Intermediate Honors. The awards are presented by the Architecture, Engineering and Nursing schools, as well as by the College.
"Students are recognized for academic achievement at the end of their four years," Higgins said. "This is to recognize them midpoint through their four years."
Read More
U.Va. Faculty Senate overwhelmingly adopts a no confidence vote in Board of Visitors
By Xander Tilock | 8 hours ago"The Faculty Senate expresses no confidence in the Board of Visitors for not protecting the University and its president from outside interference," the resolution read.
Faculty Senate Executives hear from Rector Sheridan and Vice Rector Wilkinson
By Xander Tilock and Grace Traxler | YesterdayRectors were in attendance for part of Wednesday’s emergency meeting and were asked about the interim president selection process.
Student leaders weigh the future of self-governance after Ryan's departure
By Brendon Bordwine | 2 days agoThe University has a historical tradition of student self-governance, which allows students to take part in decision-making processes.
