Russian Academic Leaders Visit Panola College

By JAMES DRAPER, Longview News Journal

7-16-03

CARTHAGE — For half a century, the United States and Russia were hostile to one another, convinced that there was little they could learn from the other culture.

But those physical, political and social barriers have been broken. Now, educators on both sides of the world realize they have a lot to learn from each other.

This week, Panola College is hosting a group of Russian academic leaders, giving them a firsthand look at the U.S. education system and culture.

"It's an exciting time," said Zeny Jett, director of libraries at Panola. "These people are emerging leaders. They are in a very good position to effect change."

The delegation is sponsored by the Library of Congress' Open World leadership program. Open World brings Russian educators to the United States to interact with their American counterparts and learn more about American life, democracy, politics, leadership and other topics.

Delegate Nina Tamarskaya said in just a few days their group has already learned a lot about the American education system, especially college education. Tamarskaya is the director of the Kaliningrad College for Social and Pedagogical Studies in western Russia.

There are more similarities than differences between the two countries' methods, Tamarskaya said, and it's been very hard to distinguish any real differences.

"We're all in the educational field, and we're facing the same problems," Tamarskaya said. "Our goals are the same. Our attitudes are the same."

Tuesday's workshop theme was "Leadership in our schools and community." The four delegates met with local community leaders including Longview Police Chief A.J. Key, Panola County Judge David Anderson and Panola College President Gregory Powell.

Key described some of the principles that mark America's law enforcement and make it the most effective in the world. The police serve the community, he said, and are accountable to the people.

"There must be trust," Key said. "Trust of the public for the police. Trust of the police for the public."

Key first had a chance to interact with Russians in the ’80s when he worked with a group of police officers from Moscow. Now, Key said, he always welcomes the opportunity to meet people from another country.

"It affirms the commonalities that exist between countries and peoples," he said.