The Trustees affirm the commitment of Davidson College to the goal of educating students for leadership in a world increasingly complex and interdependent.

- Trustee resolution creating the Dean Rusk Program, May 6, 1983

Davidson strives for distinction among national liberal arts colleges in its emphasis on understanding the world at large and preparing students for the challenges of national and international leadership.

Recognizing that international awareness is critical in today's interdependent world, the college inaugurated the Dean Rusk International Studies Program, under the name Dean Rusk Program, in 1985 to provide a cornerstone for efforts to enhance international offerings on campus and to "give each student, first, an informed awareness of our whole planet, and second, direct knowledge of at least one foreign area."

The Dean Rusk International Studies Program, named for Davidson's distinguished alumnus Dean Rusk '31 who was Secretary of State during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, serves as an organizing mechanism for expanding internationalism across the Davidson experience, rather than as a separate department or major.

The International Studies Program fosters initiatives designed to ensure that Davidson students leave the college with a broad understanding of all dimensions of global affairs--political, cultural, social, economic, and historical. It sponsors visits by experts on international issues, hosts conferences and cultural events, and counsels students about international travel, internships, and careers. It encourages pursuit of an international curriculum through the college's concentration in International Studies, major at the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, area studies, or courses in various academic departments.

The program coordinates Davidson's chapter of the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for international scholars. In support of international experience, the program provides grants for student and faculty research, study, or service abroad, including medical volunteer work in developing countries. The International Studies Program serves as a catalyst for dialogue on world issues in the greater Charlotte business, professional, cultural, and educational communities through its Corporate Affiliates program and endeavors such as collaboration with the Charlotte World Affairs Council and a speakers program in local schools. It also promotes cultural interchange between Davidson students and foreign nationals studying at the college.

Student and Faculty Advisory Committees (SAC and FAC) help ensure that the program is attuned to student interests and serves the college's educational objectives. Members of the Student Advisory Committee also organize a number of international activities on campus and in the community. The Program is also guided by the Dean Rusk Advisory Council of distinguished college supporters.