Julie Kinnaird | November 15, 2024
I see myself as a bridge for students to engage with global perspectives, even within a rural-suburban community college setting. I contribute to global education by weaving global issues, comparative studies, and diverse cultural perspectives into the curriculum.
This month UNC World View is honored to feature Mr. Kristoffer Rixon in our global educator spotlight. Kris is a full-time sociology instructor at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) and the liaison for CCCC’s inaugural Scholar of Global Distinction Program. The college serves many diverse communities throughout Lee, Chatham, and Harnett counties; bringing together a diverse range of students from rural, suburban, and even small urban areas. CCCC is also proudly an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Kris appreciates that his classrooms include students who come from various backgrounds and life experiences, with some being the first in their families to attend college, while others are finding the balance in their studies with full-time jobs. Kris states that “we have students bringing unique perspectives and experiences to our campus culture across all three counties, and it is something we are very fortunate to have here at Central Carolina.”
In his role as a sociology instructor, he says that “I see myself as a bridge for students to engage with global perspectives, even within a rural-suburban community college setting. I contribute to global education by weaving global issues, comparative studies, and diverse cultural perspectives into the curriculum.” As an example, students explore sociological theories and concepts by examining issues like global inequality, migration, and cultural diversity in his courses, leading to discussions that help students see themselves as part of a larger global community, enhancing their awareness and critical thinking about issues beyond their immediate surroundings.
Kris has attended several UNC World View programs, including the 2024 Global Education Leaders program. He believes that his engagement with UNC World View has made him think more critically about how he can authentically bring the world to his students in the content that he teaches. Kris is grateful for the support of CCCC President Dr. Lisa Chapman and the many faculty, students, and administrators who support global education efforts, the Scholar of Global Distinction program, and the partnership with UNC World View.
Kris acknowledges that there is more work to be done and UNC World View can’t wait to see what he does! His plans include further globalizing his curriculum by integrating more comparative case studies and multimedia resources that highlight sociological issues across different cultural contexts. He is excited to create modules that focus on global movements for social justice, such as climate activism, gender equity, and educational access, which will help students connect their local experiences to larger global narratives. He aims to collaborate more closely with fellow faculty, especially with the work of History Instructor Bianka Stumpf’s ACES program, and hopes to partner with community organizations and businesses that have global connections to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities.
UNC World View is proud to partner with CCCC and to have the passion, commitment, and expertise of Kris Rixon to help lead the way!
Images from the 2024 UNC World View Global Education Leaders Program.
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