USCB Chancellor Al M. Panu Selected for Prestigious Japan Studies Institute
The University of South Carolina Beaufort is proud to announce that Chancellor Al M. Panu has been selected to participate in the Japan Studies Institute (JSI), a highly regarded professional development program that equips faculty and administrators with the tools to integrate Japanese studies into their institutions.
Hosted at San Diego State University from June 2-15, 2005, JSI is an immersive, two-week experience that brings together educators from across the country to explore Japan’s history, culture, and contemporary society. Through seminars, lectures, cultural activities, and off-campus excursions, participants engage in deep learning and collaboration that broadens their global perspectives and fosters lasting professional connections.
All JSI participants live in a residence hall-style setting, encouraging informal conversations, idea-sharing, and intercultural exchange long after the day’s formal sessions have ended. This environment creates a collaborative learning atmosphere that mirrors the goals of the program itself: to build lasting relationships and promote global education through authentic cultural understanding.
Panu’s selection is a significant milestone in USCB’s ongoing efforts to internationalize its academic offerings and prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Since arriving at USCB in 2015, Panu has prioritized global education and study abroad opportunities, recognizing their impact on both student success and regional development.
His participation in JSI comes at a pivotal time for the Lowcountry region, which has experienced a dramatic rise in Asian investment. Skydrive, a subsidiary of Japanese company Suzuki, has established its American base in nearby Beaufort. Just 40 miles from USCB’s Bluffton Campus, Hyundai has launched its largest EV Metaplant, supported by 14 additional Korean companies. In nearby Allendale County, Vietnamese-owned Tin Thanh Group is set to open a new facility. These developments underscore the need for increased cultural awareness and academic programming focused on Asia, particularly Japan.
Panu brings a truly global perspective to this work. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he studied in Belgium before earning a Ph.D. in Chemistry in the United States. In 2019, he was awarded the Fulbright International Education Administrators Award in France, which helped USCB secure a French Transatlantic Mobility Program grant and expand its global studies curriculum.
While Panu does not have formal academic experience in Japanese studies, his personal connection to the country runs deep. His son, fluent in Japanese, lives and works in Japan—a journey Panu and his family have supported since his youth.
By completing the Japan Studies Institute, Panu will return to USCB equipped to inspire students and faculty alike to engage with Japan and global cultures, regardless of discipline.
“This opportunity will strengthen our commitment to global education and provide fresh pathways for our students to explore the world,” Panu said. “It’s not just about learning—it’s about connection, understanding, and preparing our students to thrive in a global society.”
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CW 04/10/25