T. Marvin Williamsen
Ph.D., Duke University Associate Vice Chancellor for International Programs
E-mail: williamsentm@appstate.edu
Marv Williamsen is the modern Renaissance man. He commands the broad reaches of interdisciplinary studies. He teaches a wide range of courses, from Modern China and Military History to IDS Approaches to Contemporary Issues, a core component of the Interdisciplinary Studies major. He may at any time be seen dashing out of East Hall to help a student with a carburetor problem or a faculty colleague overwhelmed by plumbing. At home he may be turning out unforgettable American fries or a fine Moo Goo Gai Pan. Mornings he's up at 5:30, planning the day, monitoring the news on several networks, and orchestrating the family breakfast -- for just himself and Judy now. His eldest daughter Darcy, a Carolina graduate, has lived and taught in China, is married, and has entered graduate school. Pilar was an exchange student in Turkey and then entered the Western College program of Miami University (Ohio).
After studying forestry and graduating from Colorado State, Marv was a paratrooper, a grad student in Asian History, and a Danforth fellow. He first made his acquaintance with the Orient in Taiwan. He went on to earn the ranks of U.S. Army Major and Ph.D. (Duke University). Later, he spent a year with his family in China as part of Appalachian's ongoing exchange program, and he travels to Asia frequently, often as a consultant for North Carolina business persons.
Marv's genial versatility exemplifies the dynamism and creativity inherent in any good interdisciplinary approach to education. Now he may be setting up a China exchange program (speaking half the time in Chinese) for the Chancellor or the Governor of North Carolina. Later in the day, you'll observe him taking Watauga students out to lunch, talking about college, history, or life in general. A mainstay of many key university committees, he puts in very long days.
Marv has a whipshot wisecrack for every occasion and a loving irreverence about the general condition of the world. He arrives on any scene with the éclat of a Johnny Carson opening his show. From there he proceeds to coordinate, direct, or empathize on the basis of a rare combination of character, wisdom, humor, and experience. Those who know him well marvel at the depth and gentleness of his concern for each individual's well being.
All this adds up to a reliable pilot for Interdisciplinary Studies and friend and co-worker of students and faculty alike.
- profile by Leighton Scott
Recent Publications:
"Military Operations in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War," in China During World War II , ed. M.E. Sharpe. 1990."The Origins and Evolution of the Theory of Guerrilla Warfare in 20th Century China." Invited lecture at the Canadian Armed Forces Staff College, Toronto. 1989.
"The Military Dimension, 1937-1941", a full thirty page chapter in China's Bitter Victory: The War with Japan, 1937-1945 . New York: M. E. Sharpe, 1992. An East Gate Book; 350 pages, $39.95.
