Dr. Elliott-Gower named higher education ambassador for Council on Foreign Relations

Dr. Steve Elliott-Gower, associate professor of political science, is one of more than 70 college professors in North America invited to become a 2023-24 CFR Higher Education Ambassador through the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

The nine-month professional development initiative is designed to promote global literacy among undergraduate students through engaging, creative materials and pedagogies. The ambassadors are “educators committed to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and perspective to navigate today’s connected world,” according to the CFR website.

“I’m honored to be selected for this program.” Elliott-Gower said. “It’s a great opportunity to network with other college professors who share a commitment to global education.”

Elliott-Gower has taught at Georgia College & State University for 14 years and been associated with the CFR for 10 years. He often uses the Council’s World 101 and Model Diplomacy tools in his global issues, foreign policy, and national and international security classes.

Model Diplomacy is a role-playing simulation exercise in which students play members of the U.S. National Security Council or United Nations Security Council. They debate pressing security issues using real scenarios and case studies.

World 101 provides high school and college materials to educators who champion global affairs in their curriculum. CFR materials also include games, interactive maps, video, infographics, quizzes, discussion guides and other online resources that help make complex international topics easier to understand.

Ambassadors participate in monthly meetings which include focus groups and briefings from CFR foreign relations experts. Ambassadors also share their experience in using CFR’s educational tools.

Elliott-Gower looks forward to participating in professional development opportunities with CFR. He’ll be able to help shape educational products for World 101, Model Diplomacy and iCivics’ Convene the Council. He’ll also have the opportunity to exchange ideas in CFR’s email, blogs, and social media.

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching international relations,” says Elliott-Gower, “but being a part of a teaching and learning community like the CFR Ambassadors gives that teaching new meaning—a sense of being a part of a bigger national and international effort.”

The Council on Foreign Relations is an American think tank specializing in U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Founded in 1921, it is an independent and nonpartisan nonprofit organization.