University of Southern Mississippi

Vietnam Studies Program 

2003 Heiskell Award Honorable Mention: Study Abroad

Nomination submitted by: Lisa Carpenter, Assistant to the Dean, College of International and Continuing Education and Dr. Andrew Wiest, Associate Professor of History and Director, Vietnam Studies Program

Program Mission 
The Vietnam Studies program is a unique program that takes students and veterans to Vietnam to reevaluate and gain a fuller understanding of the conflict. Lectures are given by both American and Vietnamese scholars. Many of the veterans who participate as "resource personnel" suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. According to the Veterans Administration psychologists who treat these veterans, their integration into the Vietnam Studies Program has been quite therapeutic. As a result of the Vietnam Studies Program, USM has established a working relationship with Hue University, with the goal of developing student and faculty exchanges.