Winston R. Wells

Associate Professor
Department of History and Political Science
Coordinator, International Studies Program

Education: Northwestern University, B.A. 1988; University of California-Los Angeles, M.A. 1990; Ph.D. (with departmental honors) 1997

Courses: International Studies, International Relations, Comparative Politics

Achievements and Honors: Fulbright Fellowship to Ghana (1993); Harry Joy Dunbaugh Distinguished Professor Award (2002); Malcolm Stewart Award for Intercultural Education (2003); Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship, University of Florida (1993)

Research Interests: African studies

The decline of apartheid in South Africa was a beginning for Professor Winston R. Wells.

By the mid 1980s, Wells already had decided to major in political science but it wasn't until Northwestern's campus became embroiled in debates about whether the university should invest in companies that conducted business with South Africa did he narrowed his scope.

"I participated in demonstrations calling for the university to disinvest," he recalls. "While I can't say we did much good, I found I was becoming fascinated with the country. I took a couple of classes in South African history and politics and from there my interest broadened to the rest of the continent. I was intrigued with the odd mix of problems and promise. I knew I had to go there."

Between earning his M.A. and Ph.D. at UCLA, Wells did go there—on a Fulbright
Fellowship to Ghana. He spent a year soaking in the culture while researching
the country's economic policies and their impact on farmers. His thesis was
entitled: "Rural Responses to Economic Adjustment: The Politics of Reform in
Ghana."

"The fellowship increased my awareness of the ease of living in a developed country," he said. "It also gave me a sense of obligation. I feel I have a long-term responsibility to encourage students to learn more about other countries—to understand the world is bigger than where they stand."

Wells grew up in Cincinnati, the son of a college engineering professor who instilled in his son a love for academia. Wells joined Illinois College in 1998, attracted by the value the institution places on teaching. Although he received the college's highest honor for classroom teaching in 2002, Wells struggles to describe his style.

"It's intuitive," he says. "I'm not quite sure how I do it but I certainly enjoy it. The classes are small, which allows for lots of interaction. It also gives me the chance to know my students and for them to know me. Watching them learn and develop is a great reward."

Wells spends time with students outside the classroom, as well. Each May he takes students to Japan where he fosters the college's relationship with Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. He also is coordinator of the IC International Studies Program and the advisor for the Model United Nations program.

"Ultimately, I want my students to feel better equipped to pick up a newspaper and understand trade talks or global warming or international summits," Wells says. "If I succeed at that then I'll feel as though I have accomplished something."

 

   

 

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