Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Quebec Studies to Be Established at SUNY Plattsburgh

Today’s signing ceremony highlighted the following aims of the program:
-To expand knowledge and understanding of Québec at SUNY Plattsburgh and among American academics and opinion leaders more broadly.
-To recruit and select one distinguished chairholder per year from Québec institutions. This chair will be in residence at the Institute on Québec Studies for at least one semester each academic year during the next five years, beginning with the academic year 2012-2013.
-To empower chairholders to execute a research, teaching and public-lecture program, with lectures to be given in New York state as well as in other regions of the United States.

The chair will seek to provide support for researchers working in the following fields:
-Bilateral relations between Québec and the United States.
-The economy and bilateral trade between Québec and the United States.
-Security and the Canadian-U.S. border.
-Environmental, energy and natural resource issues from a North American perspective.
-Sustainable transportation.
-Immigration.
-Québec’s international relations and public diplomacy.
-Québec’s cultural policies and its identity.
-Other matters related to the Québec government’s priorities (e.g., the Plan Nord).

“The establishment of a Fulbright distinguished chair in Québec studies at SUNY Plattsburgh marks a new and important chapter in the development of the study of Québec in the United States. As Québec’s official representative in New York, it is with great pride that I confirm my government’s will to work closely with Fulbright Canada and the Institute on Québec Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh to ensure this project’s success,” said John Parisella, Quebec’s delegate general in New York. “For the next five years, an eminent Québec scholar will be in residence at the institute, give lectures throughout the state and help increase mutual understanding between Québec and New York. This chair is a testament to the government of Québec’s long-standing relationship with the institute and its new partnership with Fulbright Canada.”

Fulbright Canada’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Hawes said, “Fulbright Canada is thrilled to be partnering with the Institute on Québec Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh and with the Government of Québec in our efforts to further enhance what is already a strong and important relationship between the people of Quebec and the people of the United States.”

“SUNY Plattsburgh is proud to host this new program,” SUNY Plattsburgh President John Ettling said. “It is an excellent opportunity, which will not only allow our students, faculty and local community to expand their knowledge and understanding of Québec, but will also influence American academics and opinion makers far beyond Plattsburgh.”

Dr. Christopher Kirkey, director of the Institute on Québec Studies, is excited to lead this initiative on behalf of SUNY Plattsburgh.

“This exciting new opportunity, in partnership with the Government of Quebec and Fulbright Canada, positions the Institute for Quebec Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh to continue its leadership in promoting Quebec studies in the United States,” Kirkey said.
 
The Institute on Québec Studies, SUNY Plattsburgh, serves as the gateway institution for the promotion of Québec Studies in the United States.