Name in Native Language: Abeku - name in Akan given to a boy born on Wednesday

Department: Speech Communication

Country of Origin: Ghana

Language(s) Spoken Other Than English: English, Norwegian and Akan

Areas of Research Interest: Media and Democracy, International Public Relations, Media in Emerging Democracies

How Long Have You Been in the U.S.? Since 1994

How Long Have You Been at SIUE? Since 2000

What Do You Like Most About SIUE? The students and the opportunity to grow professionally with the university. The students are very relatable and I get to develop personal relationships with most that I come into contact with. Also, as an up-and-coming metropolitan university, SIUE has offered me the opportunity to grow in my profession as a teacher. My contributions are acknowledged, which is very encouraging.

What Do You Find To Be the Biggest Difference Between the U.S. and Your Home Country? Mostly on how each society views and treats time. People in my country do not consider time as "absolute" rather more in relational terms. For example, a 10 a.m. appointment does not necessarily mean that the person will be there at 10 a.m.. This is the total opposite here in the U.S. Also, there is clear power distance/hierarchy between professors and students in Ghana compared to the U.S. where in this country students get closer to faculty.

Interesting Facts: People find it fascinating that I speak Norwegian. I coach and play soccer in a league at St. Louis.