FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 24, 2004

SFA Professor named Fulbright Scholar

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – A Stephen F. Austin State University faculty member has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach and conduct research in Russia beginning in January.

Dr. Sharon Templeman, assistant professor of social work at SFA, will work at Saratov State Technical University, southeast of Moscow, for the spring 2005 semester. This will be Templeman’s third visit to the country.

“Although I have been to Russia before to conduct research, I have not been to Saratov,” Templeman said. “I have heard that it is a beautiful city, right on the Volga River, southeast of Moscow. Pictures confirm this beauty.”

Templeman will be teaching generalist social work practice with an English-speaking class of social work students.

“I will also deliver continuing education for social workers who are already practicing,” Templeman explained. “Most have no formal social work education, but have gotten their positions because that’s where the jobs are as Russia transitions to democracy.”

During her stay, Templeman will conduct research on the usefulness of an asset-based perspective in this culture.

“An asset-based perspective means first looking at strengths and assets within people and their environment and building on these assets – taking advantage of existing knowledge, skills and resources,” Templeman said. “Because Russia is in transition, there are many social problems to address. It is easy for outsiders and unskilled helpers to see only the problems, when in fact, the Russian people are incredibly resourceful and innovative.”

Templeman said that the asset-building framework changes peoples’ perspectives and help them to see the “glass as half full rather than half empty." She also is open to changing some of her own perspectives.

“As a Fulbright Scholar, I hope to learn much more about the Russian culture - their history, social systems and economy - and about the post-communism development of the social work profession and education,” Templeman said.

In addition to brushing up on her skills with the Russian language, Templeman is looking forward to contacting some friends she’s already made in Russia.

“I met the director of social work at Saratov at a conference in Norway, and later we collaborated on an article and discussed a grant project,” Templeman explained. “I know I will make many new friends, will touch some lives, and be touched by many in meaningful ways.”