SIA professors called on as experts for RT America’s ‘Watching the Hawks’

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Two Penn State School of International Affairs professors have appeared on RT America’s “Watching the Hawks” program in recent weeks.

Professor Sophia McClennen, associate director of SIA and the founding director of Penn State’s Center for Global Studies, appeared on the show in early September. Following a recent article she wrote for Salon, she was brought on to discuss “back-to-school” myths regarding millennial students and their professors.

In her interview, she busts millennial stereotypes and paints a picture of college students who are working harder than ever, carrying more debt than past generations, and becoming more politically and socially active. In turn, she also breaks up the common belief that professors are overpaid and underworked; according to McClennen, to the contrary, most professors today are not on a tenure track, or even part-time. Her in-depth analysis was a highlight of the show.

In late September, Professor Dennis Jett, former U.S. ambassador, also appeared on “Watching the Hawks.” He was brought on to discuss his latest book, American Ambassadors: The Past, Present, and Future of America’s Diplomats, as well as his experiences working as an ambassador abroad and the process of becoming an ambassador. The discussion focused on the differences between career State Department employees and political appointees. Jett’s career in the U.S. Foreign Service spanned 28 years and three continents.

RT America is an around-the-clock news station airing from a studio in Washington, D.C., and is part of a three-news-channel system that also include RT UK and documentary channel RTDOC. RT is available to 700 million people in more than 100 countries across five continents. RT America’s popular program, “Watching the Hawks,” covers breaking, current, and international news appealing particularly to young audiences.