Robert Peaslee, Ph.D., associate dean in the Honors College and former chair of the Department of Journalism & Creative Media Industries, and Jerod Foster, Ph.D., associate professor of practice in Journalism & Creative Media Industries, were awarded the Donald R. Haragan Study Abroad Award at the 2025 International Affairs Global Vision Awards.
Peaslee and Foster were honored for creating and leading successful study abroad programs in multiple countries. Although their main destination is New Zealand, they have also led students in Iceland and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland and Scotland). Peaslee’s classes focus on media and tourism, while Foster’s work and classes focus on travel and cultural photography. Their program has served approximately 150 students since its inception in 2014.
The awards were presented by Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Provost, Ronald Hendrick, Ph.D., and Vice Provost for International Affairs, Elizabeth Trejos-Castillo, Ph.D.. According to the Office of International Affairs, these awards “celebrate the exceptional dedication of Texas Tech University faculty, staff, and community partners who have made significant contributions to advancing the university's global engagement…these prestigious awards recognize individuals and organizations that have played a pivotal role in enhancing Texas Tech's international presence and fostering meaningful global connections.”
Jordyn Ramirez, a Texas Tech student who participated in the 2024 New Zealand program found the experience transformative.
“Studying abroad in New Zealand has been the most pivotal moment in my educational career,” Ramirez stated. “The opportunity allowed me to have an immersive educational experience that allowed me to grow, not just in photography and tourism, but also as a person, a student, and a traveler. This immersive experience taught me lessons and brought me friendships that have transcended my time in the program."
I am forever thankful that Dr. Peaslee and Dr. Foster allowed me to be a part of such an incredible program.”
Peaslee has extensive experience with international travel and study abroad leadership. Despite his heavy administrative responsibilities, he has always made time for study abroad, an experience that opens Texas Tech students to the world, and the world to Texas Tech students. He has woven study abroad into the fabric of his life as an educator. He has a clear-eyed, pragmatic view of the benefits of study abroad for both faculty and students.
“Leading a study abroad program is by no means easy, but it is the best kind of difficult there is,” Peaslee said. “Bringing students to some of the most breathtaking places on earth, facilitating what is often their first international experience, and helping them through some very challenging situations and environments has been the greatest privilege of my professional life.”
Foster is a well-known travel and conservation photographer who tells stories of the relationship between humans and the natural world. His clients include The Nature Conservancy, Florentine Films, The New York Times, Texas Parks & Wildlife, The Texas Tribune, The Bullock Texas State History Museum, and many others. He perpetually looks forward to helping create field experiences for students that mirror his own professional endeavors, and he similarly views study abroad as one of the most transformative classrooms at the university.
“The types of experiences we craft for our media, tourism, and photography program very much mimic the professional real world,” Foster said. “In addition to the incredible portfolio and knowledge building opportunities the students take on, they also learn quite a bit about themselves."
They learn just how large and small the world can be, and they embrace a new perspective of who they are in and for that world that will forever stay with them.”
The Dean of the College of Media & Communication, Bey-Ling Sha, Ph.D., and her spouse, Guy, as well as the awardees’ faculty colleagues, Don Shin, Ph.D., Cam Stone, Ph.D., Glenn Cummins, Ph.D., TJ Martinez, and Lyombe Eko, Ph.D., attended the awards event.
Watch the student-produced video
TTU New Zealand Study Abroad - Media, Tourism & Photography
Video credit: Jacen Miserak