Troy University's CECERES promotes cultural representation on campus

Troy University’s Center of Eastern and Central European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (CECERES) is looking to promote representation of European, Russian and Eurasian culture on campus.

CECERES aims to promote this representation on campus mainly through faculty and student research of culture of the Eastern European region of the world. According to Director of CECERES Dr. Michael Slobodchikoff, one of the main ways the organization does this is by helping students realize that Eastern and Central Europe, Russia and Eurasia don’t all have the exact same culture.

“Too often, Americans encounter these countries primarily through news coverage of wars or political crises, without gaining an appreciation for the people and cultures themselves,” Slobodchikoff said. “Cultural understanding is an essential component of international education, and it helps students appreciate perspectives that may be very different from their own.”

While the center’s research interests are largely broad, their main topics of research tend to follow not just culture and history, but diplomacy and international relations as well. As the center is a part of Troy University’s political science department, a lot of the scholars they’ve invited are politically affiliated as well.

One of the most notable scholars was Dr. Borut Rončević, who is a Fulbright scholar-in-residence from Slovenia who visited Troy University in the 2023-2024 academic school year. After his time visiting Troy, Rončević eventually became the Minister of Education, Science and Youth in Slovenia.

“He brought firsthand knowledge of European society, education and academic life to our campus,” Slobodchikoff said. “Students have the opportunity to learn directly from individuals who have participated in major international events and decisions.

"We are continuing to build on those experiences by strengthening our academic network and encouraging additional research, collaboration and international engagement.”

Amar Yonjan, a business analytics master’s student from Kathmandu, Nepal, recently started working for the program as a graduate administrative assistant. Although his studies may look different than a usual student working with the center, Yonjan has still been able to make connections and explore a culture he wouldn’t have previously looked so deep into.

“I've already had the opportunity to learn about its mission, connect with faculty and students and participate in activities such as the Russian Club's recent folklore event,” Yonjan said. “Working closely with Dr. Michael Slobodchikoff, the director of CECERES, has also helped me gain a better understanding of the center's academic goals and ongoing initiatives.”

Overall, according to Slobodchikoff, the biggest benefit to CECERES is how students are exposed to ideas and viewpoints they may not have seen before.

“Students can learn a great deal from textbooks and classroom lectures, but there is something particularly valuable about hearing directly from individuals who have lived, worked and served in the countries they are studying,” Slobodchikoff said.