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K-State Today

November 17, 2021

Drouillard named 2021 International Educator of the Year

Submitted by Grant Chapman

James "Jim" Drouillard, professor of animal sciences and industry in the College of Agriculture, has been named the 2021 International Educator of the Year.

K-State created the International Educator of the Year Award in 2003 established by the provost's office and implemented by the Office of International Programs.

The award recognizes an individual who has contributed to advancing international education at the university.

"I am truly honored to receive the International Educator award," Drouillard said. "Working with international students has been one of my great pleasures over the past 26 years as a professor at K-State. These students have been among the best and brightest in our program, and I am inspired by their work ethic, perseverance, adaptability, and willingness to uproot themselves from the comfort of family and friends to experience new challenges and different cultures. Importantly, these students also can have a palpable impact on our domestic student population, disarming cultural barriers and cultivating tolerance, admiration, and mutual respect. In so doing, they forge friendships that last a lifetime. Simply stated, they make Kansas State University a better place."

One nominator says that Drouillard is known throughout the world in the beef cattle industry. According to another of his nominators, "Evidence of the respect that Jim has earned in the international community is the fact that he has been an invited speaker at more than three dozen international destinations." The nominator goes on to say that Drouillard has supervised as the major professor for 11 international graduate students from Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe and his most recent sabbatical was in Brazil.

"Dr. Drouillard's nomination packet for this award provided much evidence of his commitment, expertise and experience for Kansas State University's international activities, international programs, international research and international students," said Marcellus Caldas, assistant provost of international collaboration and educational programs in the Office of International Programs.

The Office of International Programs recognizes the International Educator of the year during International Education Week each year. International Education Week runs from Nov. 4-18 at K-State. Use the hashtags #IEW2021 #KStateIEW on social media.