Dr. Linda Pett-Conklin has been the resident geographer at UST for the past 26 years.  She earned a B.S. from Radford College; a M.A. from the University of South Carolina; and a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University—all degrees were completed in geography.  Dr. Pett-Conklin has taught a variety of courses at UST, but is probably best known on campus for her World Regional and Intercultural Issues courses.  She is especially proud of the broad-based nature of her teaching and research interests. Current foci include natural resource development, sustainable economic development, and the evolution of a global culture. 

Dr. Pett-Conklin has traveled extensively, on her own and with students.  In 1983, she collaborated with then Center for International Studies Director, William J. Cunningham, to lead a professional geographer’s tour of the People’s Republic of China.  In 1985 Dr. Pett-Conklin was awarded a Fulbright travel-study fellowship to Pakistan.  The end of the Cold War took her to Warsaw, Poland in 1991 for a workshop on the future of emerging Eastern European economies.  Study trips with students include those to Guatemala, Canada, Ecuador, Venezuela, Barbados, Belize, Bangladesh, and India.  She has also traveled widely in Europe, the USA, and Canada.

Dr. Pett-Conklin was the Center’s first study abroad advisor, serving in that capacity from 1987 to 1991.  She also initiated St. Thomas’ chapter of the International Studies honor society, Iota Sigma Rho, and currently serves as the organization’s faculty advisor.

In 1987, Dr. Pett-Conklin developed and directed a cultural orientation program for employees of Shell Chemical being transferred to Saudi Arabia.  Approximately 40 sessions of this program were held between 1987 and 1997.  Dr. Pett-Conklin continues to act as a consultant for other similar programs focusing on Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Dr. Pett-Conklin currently devotes much time and energy to the success of the University’s First Year Experience program.  Here she serves as the academic advisor for freshmen expressing an interest in international studies and foreign languages.