Political Science Instructor Promotes Neighborliness at Joplin Mosque Rally

In the aftermath of this summer’s mosque burning in Joplin, Mo., University of Arkansas political science instructor Travis B. Curtice will emcee “Neighbors – Joplin Mosque Rally” in Joplin on Saturday, Aug. 25.

Curtice, a Joplin native and graduate of Missouri Southern State University, has a long-time relationship with the faith communities of Joplin. In keeping with the rally’s theme, Curtice’s remarks will center on the idea of neighbor:

“To be a neighbor, we must reach across barriers and pursue peace – to share meals together, to share in one another’s sorrow and laughter, joy and pain.... Tonight the ideas of reconciliation and justice are simply expressed through the idea of neighbor. That is our focus.”

Curtice also affirms the power of ideas to transform the world.

“As an educator, I know the power of an idea," he said. "I believe that through education, the genuine pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, doors of understanding can open the mind to new worlds, tear down bias and prejudice and build a future of hope for tomorrow.”

Curtice earned his master’s in political science from the University of Arkansas and teaches comparative politics classes at the university. As a student, he twice received fellowships from the King Fahd Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies and has served as an aid worker and teacher in Uganda and Bosnia. While an adjunct faculty member at the university, he is also pursuing a master’s of divinity degree at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts.

For more information about Neighbors – Joplin Mosque Rally, contact Curtice at tcurtice@uark.edu.