College of Education and Human Development

Tourism and Events Management Program Faculty Receives Fulbright Specialist Program Award

Sue Slocum

Sue Slocum, professor in the Tourism and Events Management Program at George Mason University, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award in support of a project in which she will be advising and collaborating with faculty from the International University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan on how best to prepare students for jobs in that country’s tourism economy. As part of this initiative, titled “Enhancing the Level of Competence of University Faculties,” Slocum will identify opportunities for enhanced research and partnerships that support increased tourism development in Tajikistan. She will also provide training related to teaching pedagogies and outcomes, educational technologies to support classroom learning, and other support as needed.

As described on the program website, the Fulbright Specialist Program is “part of the larger Fulbright Program that was established by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.” The Fulbright Specialist Program “pairs highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals with host institutions abroad to share their expertise, strengthen institutional linkages, hone their skills, gain international experience, and learn about other cultures while building capacity at their overseas host institutions.” Initiatives under this program are short-term ranging in length from two to six weeks. About 400 academic researchers and professionals participate annually in the Fulbright Specialist Program to share expertise gained in their respective disciplines and learn about other cultures.

As a Fulbright Specialist award recipient, Slocum will be in Tajikistan from October 1st to October 30th of this year. During that time, she will present a series of lectures for both university faculty and students related to several types of tourism—most notably agritourism, dark tourism, and cultural tourism—and the specific needs and challenges of each. Slocum will also be meeting with faculty to develop a greater understanding of curriculum and course development needs as they pertain to preparing students for professions in the tourism industry. Using this baseline knowledge, Slocum plans to develop a series of partnerships to produce edited books, articles, and/or research projects that will support the identified needs of faculty. In addition to her collaboration with faculty, Slocum will be engaging with the U.S. embassy staff in Tajikistan to support and promote American culture and values through a series of lectures to the public.

In response to a question about how the work she will be doing in Tajikistan aligns with her research interests, Slocum stated, “I specialize in different niche tourism types along with economic and social development through tourism. I am hoping my expertise will guide faculty to include opportunities to enhance the tourism offer in Tajikistan and support increased tourism development. The students who are the future of the tourism industry are vital stakeholders through which much of this can happen.”

Slocum also discussed some of the positive changes in tourism, including those benefiting small businesses in Tajikistan, that her project could facilitate. She stated, “I am hoping my work provides opportunities to enhance the tourism offer in Tajikistan through increased local networks that support small businesses, such as increased food opportunities for visitors, on-farm tours, and/or local culinary tours. I am also hoping my project will lead to increased marketing opportunities of the unique attributes of Tajikistan as a culinary destination.” Slocum added that even after her project ends, she is hoping to continue her work on tourism in Tajikistan through future research projects and publishing opportunities that will emanate from the ongoing partnership she builds with university faculty in that country.

When asked about what she is most excited about regarding the work she will be doing in Tajikistan, Slocum stated, “Obviously the food is a major attraction for me! I am also looking forward to making new friends and having the opportunity to bring unique tourism opportunities to Tajikistan, as well as highlight their challenges in tourism publications.”

Please join the College of Education and Human Development community in congratulating Sue Slocum for being selected as recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program award. This honor reflects her exemplary scholarship and accomplishments that have contributed to a deeper understanding of economic development through both domestic and international tourism.