Dr. Douglas S. Gardenhire, chair and clinical professor of respiratory therapy, received the Georgia State University 2020 Faculty Award for Global Engagement – Teaching, Service & Outreach. The award is one of seven International Education Awards, recognizing outstanding faculty, staff, and students for their international education commitment. The awards are given by the Office of International Initiatives at the annual International Honorary Reception during International Education Week in November.
Gardenhire is co-chair of the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions International Services committee and the Lewis College liaison to the Office of International Initiatives. He created and led classes of respiratory therapy students to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic for the first well-regarded RT program study abroad.

RT students screen a Dominican woman for health issues during 2019 Study Abroad.
During these trips, Gardenhire researched indoor air quality and cooking stoves. He presented his findings of increased carbon monoxide levels from these stoves at the 2020 Communidad Connect Health Summit in Nicaragua and at the International Congress held by the American Association for Respiratory Care held before the pandemic outbreak.
“Doug engages his students in fieldwork via data collection, interviews and community assessments via local translators, health promoters, and community partners…Current students and alumni often say that studying abroad with Doug is the most lasting memory of their time at GSU,” said Jon Thompson, CEO of Communidad Connect.
Gardenhire also developed connections with universities in mainland China, Taiwan, India and Saudi Arabia, receiving international education grants with Taipei Medical University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Dar Al ULoom University. These grants bring students to Georgia State to pursue graduate respiratory therapy degrees. In turn, the graduates return to their home countries to practice and teach respiratory therapy.
Visit the International Education Awards site for more information about the awards and recipients. Award winners will be honored at the invitation-only virtual International Honorary Reception on Monday, Nov. 9.