International Studies Program Newsletter Fall 2025
Welcome from Dr. Zakiya Adair
Dear International Studies Majors and Minors,
Welcome to the new academic year. I am so happy that each of you has chosen International Studies as your major or minor, your contributions to our program are highly valued.
This is an exciting time of year, whether you are a returning senior, a first year or a transfer student, fall semester is full of exciting new experiences.
This academic year you can expect to learn more about the International Studies program, attend fun events designed to promote community within the major and meet fellow IS students and form lasting connections. Our first program event will be Tuesday October 28th. Treats and Tips will offer IS majors an opportunity to learn some helpful tips on progressing through the major as well as some general strategies for overall academic success. All are welcome, but first and second year students as well as those new to the major are strongly encouraged to attend.
On behalf of the entire International Studies faculty and staff, welcome to IS and have a wonderful semester!
You can find me in my office SSB 309 on Tuesday and Friday 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, feel free to pop in and say hi and you might even catch my dog Rogue!
Sincerely
Dr. Adair
Send us your photos and accomplishments!
Do you have photos from your time abroad? Stories to share about an internship, conference, award, or great experience you had in a class for your major? We’d love to hear from you! Please share your good news with us: study aboard highlights, service activities on and off campus, awards, achievements, internships, or any other news you’d like to share. We’ll compile all your news in an digital newsletter and on our social media. Share your photos and stories here.
Advising Tips and Treats!
Join Dr. Adair for an Advising Hang with Tips and Treats. All IS students are welcome to attend on Tuesday, October 28th from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM in Social Sciences Building Rm 241. Stop by for some treats!
Faculty-Led Study Abroad in South Africa
IS Professors Dr. Matthew Bender and Dr. Mindi McMann are leading a winter 2026 study abroad program in South Africa. South Africa: History and Literature of Apartheid allows students to study the history and literature of Apartheid and post-Apartheid South Africa in two of its largest urban areas– Johannesburg and Cape Town. It is designed to give students an interdisciplinary background on the literature, history, and culture of South Africa.
International Studies Faculty Highlights
Congratulations to Dr. Zakiya Adair who was promoted to full professor and to Dr. Hyun-Binn Cho and Dr. George Leader who were both promoted to associate professor.
Dr. Hyun-Binn Cho’s article, “Muddied Waters: Freedom-of-Navigation Operations as Signals in the South China Sea,” was published in British Journal of Politics and International Relations in 2025 (co-authored with Brian C. Chao).
Dr. alma khasawnih received a $1,000 Civic Engagement Mini-Grant for a Deliberative Dialogue from Project Pericles to bring conversations on birds, pollination, and food insecurity to the WGS 374: Ecofeminism course in Fall 2025.
Dr. Miriam Lowi’s new book Refining the Common Good: Oil, Islam and Politics in Gulf Monarchies was published in 2025 by Cambridge University Press.
Dr. Ann Warner-Ault is a member of the Executive Board of the Middle Atlantic Council of Latin American Studies (MACLAS) and presented a paper at the annual conference at The University of Delaware with Dr. Margaret Leigey entitled: “Language, Law, and Empathy: Developing Spanish Language and Intercultural Skills for Future Law and Justice Practitioners.”
Dr. Sarah Chartock co-authored an Op-Ed in Time Magazine, “Americans Need to Know the Name of Alberto Fujimori.”
Student Resources
International Studies Forms and Policies
International Studies Courses (click on your specialization)
Counseling & Prevention Services (CAPS)
(609) 771-2247, Eickhoff Hall 107
Offers:
- Individual sessions for one-on-one support
- Group sessions to connect with peers who may share similar experiences
- Crisis/Urgent Sessions for immediate needs. Walk in daily from 830 AM to 400 PM
- UWill for free, confidential, ongoing therapy or in a crisis 24/7. Sign up using your TCNJ email at www.Uwill.com or call 833.646.1526
Anti-Violence Initiatives (AVI)
(609) 771-2571, Forcina Hall 308
AVI supports and empowers survivors of power-based personal violence through their clinical services, provided by two licensed counselors.
Alcohol and Drug Support Services (AOD)
(609) 771-2571, Forcina Hall 308
Alcohol and Drug Support Services is committed to helping students thrive by achieving holistic health and wellness through reducing, mediating, and/or healing the harmful impacts of problematic alcohol and other drug use.
Math Tutoring for MAT 095
Monday 5pm to 6pm and Thursday 5pm to 6pm in Physics 221. Drop in for math help!