Georgia Southern University Faculty Member Awarded Fulbright Grant

June 14, 2010

A Georgia Southern University faculty member has been awarded a Fulbright Senior Specialist grant to further music education programs in Thailand, continuing his commitment to international studies.

Daniel Pittman, professor of music appreciation within the University’s Department of Music, has been assigned to Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the second largest city in the country, where he is spending six weeks lecturing and presenting seminars on Wind Band Rehearsal Techniques and Consulting. “I will also rehearse and conduct the Chiang Mai Youth Philharmonic Band in a public concert and serve as a resource person for the instrumental music education programs in the Chiang Mai city and province,” said Pittman.

Pittman is no stranger to Thailand. In fact, he has traveled extensively within the country, exclusively to Chiang Mai on previous occasions. “I have developed a love for the country, culture and people. I’ve acquired many friendships, personal and professional, and I’m quite honored to be selected to return and provide this service for the student musicians,” he said.

University students will benefit from Pittman’s experience upon his return from Thailand. The self-described “internationalist” has a great interest in various lands and cultures. “In all of my teaching, I try to infuse the course content with my fascination and love of cultural diversity,” Pittman said.

Pittman has served in several leadership positions within the university, specifically as the director of the Southern Pride marching band for sixteen years, and most recently as the Interim Director of the Center for International Studies. Pittman also led the music department’s Studies Abroad Program in Music, which combined European concert tours in England, Germany, Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic by the Georgia Southern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble with academic music classes as part of its European Academic Residency.

The Fulbright Specialists Program provides short-term (two to six weeks) academic opportunities for U.S.-based University faculty and professionals. Candidates must first apply and are then selected to join a Roster of Specialists for a five-year term after a comprehensive peer review of their application and qualifications. After an international university receives grant approval, Fulbright selects a recipient from the roster of specialists to participate in the development needs of the institution.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers 110 degree programs serving more than 19,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visitwww.georgiasouthern.edu.