Transformative partnerships: Shields serves as visiting scholar at FHNW in Switzerland
SPCS Faculty Update
Dr. Tom Shields, associate dean and associate professor of education in SPCS and associate professor of leadership studies in the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, served December 4-8 as a Visiting Scholar in the School of Education of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). The Visiting Scholar experience launches an ongoing partnership between FHNW and the University of Richmond.
FHNW, a liberal arts institution with campuses across four cantons — Muttenz, Brugg-Windisch, Basel, and Olten — boasts nine academic schools spanning disciplines such as Applied Psychology, Architecture, Business, and Music. FHNW has a reputation for excellence in both pedagogy and research.
Shields’ engagement with FHNW continues a seven-year collaboration that began at with Prof. Dr. Pierre Tulowitzki when he worked at Ludwigsburg University of Education in Germany. The partnership, now solidified in an exchange agreement, opens avenues for faculty and student mobility, joint courses and modules, collaborative research projects, and the pursuit of grants in both Switzerland and the United States.
Shields’ role is one of the first Visiting Scholar from the U.S. at FHNW’s School of Education marks a milestone in the institution’s internationalization efforts. Miriam Ronsdorf, head of international affairs for the School of Education, orchestrated Shields’ visit, emphasizing the importance of global connections for FHNW.
During his busy week at FHNW, Shields met with key academic and administrative figures, students and others, establishing connections that will extend beyond his time as a Visiting Scholar. His presentations, discussions, and receptions included a joint talk on the common goals and different approaches of schools in Switzerland and the U.S., a roundtable discussion on school improvement, and interactions with doctoral students working on research involving in Swiss schools.
This collaboration is exemplified by the joint class Shields and Tulowitzki are offering, ”Culture, Society, and Education: International Perspectives.” The course, envisioned as two distinct classes for UR and FHNW students, will involve online synchronous conversations and group work, fostering a globalized learning environment.
During his visit, Shields was also involved in research discussions, course development, and planning future opportunities.
As the partnership unfolds, Shields envisions future faculty and student exchanges, solidifying the collaborative bridge between FHNW and UR.
For more information about the FHNW and UR partnership, contact Tom Shields at tshields@richmond.edu.
