CWU's Carbaugh Invited To Oxford

March 16, 2004

Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- "I was overwhelmed." So says Dr. Robert J. Carbaugh, Central Washington University economics professor, upon learning he'd been invited to participate in the Oxford Round Table at the University of Oxford, England, from Aug. 8-3. This year's topic is "Regulating Sustainable Development: Adapting to Globalization in the Twenty-First Century."

Dr. Roy Savoian, CWU College of Business dean, says: "This is quite a prestigious invitation for Bob as well as the department, college and university. It's recognition of Bob's academic contributions and career that is devoted to pursuing the teacher-scholar model of faculty professional development. His research strengthens his teaching and his teaching enhances his scholarship. Bob has successfully found the balance between teaching and research, with our students as the greatest beneficiaries."

Carbaugh, recognized as an authority on international economic analysis and public policy, will join a select group of academicians, attorneys and policy makers to review and discuss developments in international trade and the environment.

Dr. Klinton W. Alexander, Oxford Round Table co-director, says, "The Round Table is not a conference in the traditional sense but rather a small forum in which approximately 40 knowledgeable persons can discuss important public policy issues."

First convened in 1989, the Round Table is comprised of a small group of leaders from both the public and private sectors in the United States, United Kingdom and other selected countries. It provides a forum for the study and consideration of current issues facing state and national education systems.

Participants are identified through a screening process initiated by nomination from previous Round Table members, including ministers of education, governors from the U.S., members of Parliament, executive officers of international corporations, educational administrators and academicians from major universities.

Carbaugh says he's not sure who nominated him for Round Table participation and his first trip to Oxford. He has taught at CWU for 17 years and is the author of "International Economics," a textbook now in its 9th edition that is used at universities around the world.

The 2004 Round Table will include issues related to recent developments in international trade and environmental policy, equity and justice in economic development, the role of nongovernmental organizations in international trade and environment governance, emerging trade and environmental conflicts and international trade negotiations.

Along with participating in that dialogue, Carbaugh is submitting a paper for review and possible inclusion as a discussion topic.

"They're asking that participants send in an abstract," he adds. "They'll then select a given number of papers that they feel are most appropriate with the theme of the Round Table. The paper that I am going to submit is dealing with international trade relations between Europe and the United States. The focus of the paper will be on competition between Boeing and Airbus."

The accepted papers will also become chapters of a book that summarize the major themes of the Round Table.

Carbaugh's participation in the Oxford Round Table is funded by the CWU economics department, College of Business dean's office, College of Business advisory board and the CWU provost's office.