We are thrilled to announce Dr. Nhu Truong as the Knowlton Center’s March Faculty Champion! Dr. Truong has bridged the gap between theory and real-world application by partnering with our Employer and Alumni Relations team. A professor of Politics and Public Affairs (PPA), she has had a hand in taking her “Politics of Resistance” class on a career trek to Stonewall Columbus, a pivotal organization in LGBTQ+ advocacy.
This collaboration between Dr. Truong and the Knowlton Center facilitated a unique learning opportunity for her students. Prior to the visit, students delved into research about Stonewall Columbus, preparing a curated list of questions that aligned with the course’s theoretical concepts. These questions explored the political opportunities and constraints, mobilizing structures, and the influence of framing on advocacy and social movements that transcends borders. By engaging directly with professionals at Stonewall Columbus, students gained practical insights into how these theories manifest in real-world activism, be it in Columbus, OH or countries in Asia.
Politics of Resistance is a course that directs students’ attention to people’s fight for rights and social justice. With support from the Knowlton Center, students visited Stonewall Columbus and heard first-hand accounts from activists in Southeast Asia and ACLU Ohio. These experiences challenged students to reflect on what resistance means in practice. I also hope that students will be inspired as they consider their future paths and emboldened to advocate for rights and social justice in their own ways.
-Dr. Nhu Truong
Central to the trek was the goal of providing students with a tangible understanding of LGBTQ+ advocacy strategies. Through conversations with Stonewall professionals, students were exposed to the various tactics and repertoires of contention, resistance, and advocacy utilized within the LGBTQ+ community. This firsthand exposure not only reinforced classroom learning but also empowered students to critically analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of different advocacy approaches.
Beyond the Stonewall Columbus trek, Dr. Truong partnered with the Knowlton Center to bring representatives from the ACLU Columbus Regional Office into her class this past November. This initiative further enriched students’ understanding of policy and politics by providing diverse perspectives on advocacy and civil liberties, reinforcing the interdisciplinary nature of a liberal arts education.
The partnership between Dr. Nhu Truong and the Knowlton Center exemplifies the university’s commitment to holistic education. By combining academic theory with practical experiences, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex social and political landscapes. Through initiatives like the trek to Stonewall Columbus and guest presentations from activists in Southeast Asia and from organizations like the ACLU, students not only learn about advocacy and public policy but also witness exactly what a career in these fields looks like. We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Truong for the work she has done for the Knowlton Center and Denison students!
