James F. Goode

Grand Valley State University

2020 Co-Recipient

Perhaps the best demonstration of Goode’s service is his outstanding internationalization work at Grand Valley State University that spanned decades of commitment and vision. In the early 1990s, he served as the Director of the Michigan Committee on US-Arab Relations. He led the process to establish a Middle East Studies Program at GVSU in 1997 and served as the Coordinator of the program from 1997 to 2006. His vision transformed an idea into an interdisciplinary academic minor, led to the hiring of faculty in Arabic and History, the establishment of several study abroad programs, and the annual hosting of the Model Arab League Conference during the Winter semester, which GVSU has hosted for more than two decades now. Throughout his tenure as the Coordinator of the Middle East Studies Program, he invited outstanding guest speakers and performers to promote understanding of a largely misunderstood region. His work was always motivated by a strong commitment to educating our campus community and enriching the intellectual life of our students, faculty, and community alike.

Goode served on GVSU’s International. Education Committee and three university-wide task forces relation to internationalization.

In addition, he took the lead in establishing study-abroad programs to Egypt and to Turkey.

Last but not least, his outreach to the local community is exemplary, working closely with others to put together programs to reach nearby libraries, schools, churches, and institutions. He put together these talks and workshops as a volunteer, motivated by a deep desire to educate and demystify the Middle East region.

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