International Collaboration Enhances U.S. Education and Global Stability

In October 2023, Dr. Jacob Shively, an Associate Professor at the University of West Florida (UWF), demonstrated how local academic leadership can enhance America’s influence on the global stage. Serving remotely as co-chair of an international conference organized by an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumna, Shively contributed to the 1st International Scientific-Practical Conference on “Modern Higher Education: Achievements, Challenges and Prospects of Development in the Conditions of Uncertainty,” hosted by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine at the Bogdan Khmelnitsky Melitopol State Pedagogical University.

This collaboration goes far beyond diplomacy—it is a direct investment in strengthening American leadership, fostering international stability, and securing U.S. interests abroad. As a professor and vice president of UWF’s Faculty Senate, Shively’s participation in global discussions helps bring back valuable insights on democracy, resilience, and educational innovation, which directly benefit his students and community.

When U.S. professors engage with foreign counterparts, it builds stronger, more secure alliances while reinforcing American ideals and democratic values. Shively’s involvement in this conference brings timely lessons on education under crisis, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine, which have direct implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security. The experience strengthens his ability to prepare students for future leadership roles, not just locally, but in international settings where American interests are at stake.

For taxpayers, this is a return on investment: American professors like Shively help model democratic engagement, elevate the reputation of U.S. institutions abroad, and extend American soft power through nonpartisan, professional exchange. In doing so, they contribute to a world where more allies—not fewer—share our values and vision for a stable, educated, and democratic global future.

By engaging in international conferences, U.S. educators contribute to shaping global narratives and advancing American values, demonstrating the vital role of American leadership in promoting stability, education, and democratic principles around the world.