D. Ray Heisey: Having Lived Life Abundantly, '' Time Is Running Out''
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 36 (6):
810--822 (November 2012)DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2012.08.009
Abstract
D. Ray Heisey (1932–2011) was exceptionally well regarded both by professional colleagues and former students as an early promoter of the academic field of intercultural communication, with a lifelong commitment to the inherent value of dialogic communication at all levels of teaching and research. He was remembered as '' a dedicated scholar,'' '' a generous soul,'' as a '' mentor, and model,'' '' extremely kind to international students,'' '' a great educator'' who '' practiced what he preached in his life,'' and as Wenshan Jia eugulized him: '' Ray's professional life as an intercultural scholar, intercultural education, and intercultural practitioner was a unique success because he had integrated these three principles in his daily professional life'' (Jia, 2011, May). One of Heisey's major contributions was his advocacy of the dialogic approach to the teaching, study, and research in intercultural communication, a constant over his professional life and highlighted both in his leadership of Damavand College in Tehran and his exchange programs, teaching, and research related to China. On campus when the March 4, 1970 shootings occurred at Kent State University, he reflected well on this event. This important contribution led to his high level of interest in peace and conflict management and resolution, as seen both in his research on such conflict in the Middle East and the Soviet Union. Deeply spiritual, much of his research related to religion in communication, women's rights, and peace issues. Visiting China eleven times, and teaching there for two semesters, his series editorship of '' Advances in Communication and Culture,'' following his co-editorship with Wenxiang Gong, saw the publication of five more books relating to Chinese communication, all of which enhanced the intercultural understanding of China. ⺠Professor D. Ray Heisey, a founder of the academic field of intercultural communication, believed that one of the most important aspects of intercultural communication is cultural dialogue, and he promoted this concept throughout his professional career. ⺠Professor Heisey edited or coedited several books on Chinese communication in his Series Advances in Culture and Communication, as well as an earlier book on Chinese communication, and several treatises on leaders in the Brethern of Christ Church, as well as articles on religious communication, women's issues, and peace studies. ⺠Professor Heisey, Director of the Communication College at Kent State University, had overseas learning and teaching professional experiences in Scotland, Belgium, Sweden, Estonia, and China, and served as the President of Damavand College in Iran, 1975–78.