Dr. Alain-Philippe Durand joins ‘International Exchange’ to discuss language, culture, and leadership
The second episode of International Exchange, the University of Arizona International’s new conversation series, features Dr. Alain-Philippe Durand, Dorrance Dean of the College of Humanities. In this episode, Dr. Durand joins Dr. Jenny Lee, vice president for University of Arizona International and dean of International Education, for a discussion about international education. The International Exchange series was launched to highlight the international experiences of U of A leaders and explore how global engagement shapes academic leadership, research, and education.
Durand, who was born and raised in Marseille, France, shares his personal and professional journey—from being a radio DJ and early hip-hop enthusiast in France to pursuing higher education in the United States. His experience as an international student in Kansas shaped his passion for the humanities, leading to a lifelong dedication to languages, literature, and cross-cultural learning. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture, he embraced the experience, finding strong support as an international student and recognizing the value of humanities education in broadening perspectives.
This episode’s conversation also delves into the evolving role of the humanities in higher education and the workforce. Durand explains that humanities studies provide students with critical thinking, adaptability, and communication skills—essential in a rapidly changing world, particularly as artificial intelligence and automation shift career demands. “It’s extremely important to not just focus on our own language, our own city, our own country…the world is a better place if we if we train people and we educate people with these broader perspectives,” Durand says.
As a champion of internationalization at U of A, Durand underscores the College of Humanities’ strong commitment to study abroad programs, multilingual education, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. He emphasizes that global experiences are valuable even for those who do not plan to work internationally: “Right here in Tucson, you have so many different people in so many different cultures that are represented and engaged…critical thinking, flexibility and adaptability and being able to communicate and work with people of different cultures and ethnicities, that's important right here. You don't have to go abroad or have a passport for that.”
Durand’s passion for international education and cultural exchange is evident. His favorite French phrase, "Droit au but" (Straight to the goal)—a saying associated with his hometown soccer club, Olympique de Marseille, is a motto he uses to motivate his team at the College of Humanities. His marketing team even made badges that say, ‘Straight to the goal,’ because he says it so often.
The second episode of International Exchange offers an engaging look at how international experiences shape academic leaders and underscores the vital role of the humanities in preparing students for a globalized world. To watch the full episode and all International Exchange episodes, visit the Arizona International YouTube page.