I have been teaching courses on international relations at IU for the past six years, yet have never ceased to be impressed with how the multi-national diversity of my students enhances the over-all experience. The small classes enable me to give individual attention to each student and engage in daily questions and answers sessions with them that enrich the educational process. For example, during the most recent (2007) summer, I gave a course on Third World Politics. Among the nine students were young adults from Nigeria, Ukraine, Venezuela, Austria, Albania, India, and Slovakia. Although at times there were initial difficulties communicating through the fog of language, we all learned about the richness of diversity and the rewards of cooperation from our interactions.
The success of IU programs is readily attested to by how many IU students I personally know who are working for international organizations or businesses in Vienna or elsewhere. Indeed one of my former students who now works for the United Nations in Vienna helped arrange for the students in my course on International Organizations to visit the UN City in Vienna, an exciting experience for all!
I have been teaching college courses for almost 40 years in the United States, Turkey (as Senior Fulbright Lecturer), and China. For the past 20 years, my main research interest has been on the Middle East and the Kurdish nation specifically. Currently I am finishing a new book analyzing the progress Kurds have been making recently in Iraq and Turkey. Turkey’s controversial EU candidacy plays an important role in all this. In addition, I have done research on the United Nations, arms control, terrorism, and international education, among other subjects. Over the years, this has led me to publish 13 books, over 100 scholarly articles in journals or books, and more than 100 reviews. In addition, I have been invited repeatedly to make presentations to international conferences both governmental and private. My experiences at IU have clearly contributed to my publications and speaking invitations, and have enabled me to achieve a much greater understanding and empathy for international relations.
Dr. Michael M. Gunter Professor of Political Science
Ray Nelson
Ray Nelson, who first taught at IU in 1996, and Michael Gunter, who just finished his sixth summer at IU, are being featured. Ray’s comments are centered around several key questions and comments.
Why IU Vienna? I heard about IU shortly after its founding by Otis Gatewood, and I have also known President Goodheer for a long time. He has done an amazing job in helping IU grow and develop. IU is a unique institution. It draws students from around the world and faculty from many places. Students are taught how to make a living and even more importantly, they are introduced to the Bible. My experiences at IU have been very positive, and I recommend it to anyone who can take advantage of this opportunity to teach in a unique atmosphere. I also support IU financially and recommend it to others who can do the same.
How does my faith relate to my life and career? My faith is central to my life. Regardless of other goals and achievements, the only thing that really counts is going to Heaven. Both my life and my career have been built around this premise. One thing this means is that one should do the best job possible in a career. Colossians 3:23, states, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men." Another thing it means is that God’s will should be uppermost in one's mind at all times. Was I successful in accomplishing these ideals all of the time? No, I was as weak as others on many occasions. However, a Christian has a great advantage. Forgiveness is just around the corner when needed.
My long career Procter and Gamble and how I got started Originally, I applied for a job as a laboratory technician. The secretary I first spoke to asked me if I had a degree. I said, "Yes," and she asked if I wanted to see a professional recruiter. I said, "Whatever." I was ushered in to see a professional recruiter and to make a long story short, was hired as a manager. I worked for six years then resigned to teach Christianity in the French-speaking world. I left P&G on good terms and returned after five years in Brussels, Belgium. Returning to the USA as a laboratory technician at Dow Chemical in Midland Michigan, I worked there for a year before returning to P&G in Cincinnati, Ohio as a laboratory manager. I worked for P&G for the next 26 years and retired in 1994. For twenty of those years, I worked in the Pringles Potato Chip factory in Jackson, Tennessee. After retiring, I did consulting work for the next six years for P&G and for some of their suppliers. During my last years at P&G and during my consulting years, I was able to travel extensively both in the USA and in Europe. During my tenure at P&G I received a lot of training in management practices. I also wore many hats. During a three year period at Jackson, I was Purchasing Manager, Security Manager, Yards and Grounds Manager, as well as Laboratory Manager. I was also the principle contact with the US Food and Drug Administration, and other governmental agencies, as well as the rabbinical organization through whom P&G obtains kosher status for its products.
My Educational Background and Teaching Career My undergraduate degree was in education with concentrations in math, physics and chemistry. I taught these subjects in high schools in Indiana for three years before going to P&G. My industrial career was in analytical chemistry and microbiology. Just before I retired, I began a Master's program at Freed-Hardeman University. The year after I retired, I received my M. Ed. Degree. My primary purpose was to earn a credential that would make me better qualified to teach at IU in Vienna.
