The University of Wyoming has been selected for the third time as a host institution for the spring Faculty Enrichment Program (FEP) by the American Councils for International Education. The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, funds the program.

FEP is a visiting scholars program that was launched in Uzbekistan to advance the pedagogical skills and professional disciplinary expertise of faculty members. While in the FEP on the UW campus, two visiting fellows will engage in curriculum development, explore alternative teaching methodologies, expand their knowledge in their fields of study, and gather new teaching materials and resources.

The two UW areas and faculty members who will host the Uzbekistan FEP fellows are:

-- College of Business Department of Economics: Alexander Skiba, department chair and associate professor, will host Umidjon Dadabaev, a Department of World Economy and International Economic Relations associate professor from UW's partner institution, Tashkent State University of Economics (TSUE).

-- School of Computing: Beth McMillan, a Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center instructional professor, will host Jalolliddin Yusupov, a computer science and vice-rector for financial-economic issues and innovations assistant professor from Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent.

The visiting fellows will work closely with their UW mentors and will be supported by Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) resources, says Dilnoza Khasilova, UW's SoTL assessment specialist. Originally from Uzbekistan, Khasilova is UW's FEP coordinator.

Khasilova touts UW's program with its collaborative partners.

"We have incredible faculty who are dedicated and willing to global exchange. Hosting the FEP fellows or any visiting scholars enriches the campus community by fostering cultural exchange, promoting collaboration and innovation, strengthening global engagement efforts, and enhancing teaching and learning practices," she says. "It serves as a valuable opportunity for UW as the hosting university to contribute to international education initiatives and cultivate a more inclusive and globally minded academic environment."

Throughout their FEP exchange program, fellows will observe courses, attend academic conferences and webinars, and work closely with UW faculty mentors across campus. Fellows may be invited to present lectures or co-teach classes at UW. Through structured opportunities to engage with students and faculty, fellows will significantly enhance their understanding of the U.S. higher education systems.

Specifically, the presence of FEP fellows on campus enhances UW's global engagement efforts by facilitating international partnerships and exchanges, Khasilova says. Hosting the fellows strengthens educational ties between the U.S. and Uzbekistan, promotes mutual understanding and fosters long-term relationships that benefit both institutions.

"This impact is exemplified through our current cohort, which demonstrates the lasting value of our earlier initiatives," Khasilova adds. "I am particularly excited to see how our past collaborations have created meaningful pathways for continued partnership."

One of our current FEP fellows was previously engaged with UW through a SoTL workshop in 2017-18, led by Janel Seeley and Khasilova at TSUE. The connection is especially significant, as TSUE was the first Uzbekistan university to establish formal ties with U.S. partners, signing a memorandum of understanding with UW in 2016.

"This history of engagement showcases how initial academic collaborations can evolve into sustained institutional partnerships," Khasilova says.

Khasilova says she is excited about the opportunity to support the FEP fellows as part of her Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning work on engaging in curriculum development and exploring alternative teaching methodologies during the fellows' stay.

"Their insights and expertise contribute to the enhancement of teaching and learning practices at UW, enriching the academic experience for students and faculty alike," she adds. "They will later present their research and teaching practices with our UW campus community."

She adds that the FEP program at UW would not be successful without the support and mentorship of last spring's 2023 and fall's 2024 cohort mentors spread across several departments, divisions and schools on campus.

For more information about the FEP program at UW, email Khasilova at [email protected].