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.