K-State's first associate provost of International Programs, William Richter, honored with the University's International Educator Award

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News release prepared by: Megan Wilson, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Friday, November 17, 2006

K-STATE'S FIRST ASSOCIATE PROVOST OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS, WILLIAM RICHTER, HONORED WITH THE UNIVERSITY'S INTERNATIONAL EDUCATOR AWARD

MANHATTAN -- William Richter, professor of political science at Kansas State University, has received K-State's International Educator Award as a part of the university's celebration of International Education Week, Nov. 13-17.

The International Educator Award was established by James R. Coffman, provost emeritus, to recognize and honor an individual for major contributions and sustained commitment to advancing international education at K-State.

Contributions may include developing innovative programs to advance international education within the university; recruiting students, faculty, and staff from outside the United States; mentoring international students, faculty and staff; and developing and implementing learning activities that prepare U.S. students for a diverse and global society; and integrating international education into the curriculum.

Other award criteria include providing opportunities for international students and U.S. students to interact and understand each other's cultures; providing study and travel aboard opportunities for K-State students; providing opportunities for professional development and international experiences for faculty and staff; developing activities that support partnerships with international institutions; arranging for visiting scholars and guest lecturers from universities abroad; and contributing to scholarship in an international context.

Richter, who has been at K-State since 1966, served as interim assistant provost in the office of international programs when it was newly created in 1991, and held that position until 1993. In 1994, Richter was given that duty on a full-time basis and served in that capacity until 1996, when the title was changed to associate provost. Richter served in the position until 2002.

"His most valuable contribution to K-State is the development and implementation of a vision for a truly international university," wrote Joseph Aistrup, head of the department of political science, in his letter nominating Richter for the award. "In the late 1980s, K-State had international involvement by several of its colleges, but little in the way of coordinated, university-wide, commitment. President Wefald and Provost Jim Coffman initiated a planning process that identified 'Enhancing International Emphases' as a priority area.

"As chair of the International Activities Council, Dr. Richter chaired a strategic planning advisory committee to develop proposals pursuant to this theme. The committee submitted its report in 1990, including recommendations to create a full-time university international administrator -- then termed assistant provost for international programs -- and a central office of international programs," Aistrup wrote. "The 1990 report that Dr. Richter facilitated became the road map for the internationalization of K-State over the next decade."

In addition to his work as associate provost of international programs, Richter also served as the director of the South Asia Center from 1975-76, and again from 1979 to 1984. Richter served as head of the political science department from 1984 to 1993.

His primary area of expertise is in South Asian politics. His work includes more than 40 articles and book chapters. He recently completed the second edition of "Combating Corruption, Encouraging Ethics." His work has included democracy assessments in South Asia, election observation missions, testimony before Congress and other government agencies, lecture tours in South Asia, and leadership in regional and national professional organizations. Richter is involved in Kansas-Paraguay Partners.

Richter received his doctorate in political science in 1968 and his master's in political science in 1963, both from the University of Chicago. He graduated cum laude with a bachelor's in political science and history from Willamette University in 1961.