By: Kaci King, editor
12/8/2005

When Guang Xu decided to leave China after 15 years of teaching and pursue his doctorate at the University of Maryland, it was his first time to set foot on American soil. Undistracted by living in another country, he graduated with a degree in U.S. Diplomatic History in 1993.

He went on to be an educator in Arkansas and Iowa, until the appeal of Friends University’s small, community-based environment led him to apply for a position as an assistant professor of history.

Xu has been teaching at Friends for four years now and said he plans to continue his goal of educating students from an international perspective. Xu thinks that the opportunity to be so hands-on with students has contributed to his decision to make a career at Friends.

“I like it here because it is a small University,” Xu said. “I enjoy the relationship between students and faculty.”

Senior Chris Long has been one of Xu’s students and thinks he does a great job connecting with his classes. Long said Xu is focused on helping students reach their goals by making the material he covers in class interesting. 

“He wants his students to succeed and is always available,” Long said. “He also has a unique sense of humor.”

Xu is an active faculty member and serves as the adviser for the History/Political Science Club.

Junior Ross Gregory is a member of the club and is also a former student of Xu’s. Gregory said Xu’s intellect is one of the factors that inspired him to cultivate his own love of history. Gregory is also impressed by Xu’s ability to present history to students so objectively.

“He brings a fresh new international perspective to history,” Gregory said. “He makes his classes interesting and always gives different opinions.”

Throughout his career as an educator, Xu has managed to become an expert in his field. Last spring, he was contacted by USA TODAY, the nation’s largest newspaper. In May, he appeared in one of the newspaper’s articles discussing anti-Japanese sentiments in China.

Xu has also written two books: “Imperial China” and “War Wings: The United States and Chinese Military Aviation.” His third book, “Congress and Sino-U.S. Relationship,” is expected to be available early in 2006.

When Xu is not writing books, he is writing articles, 20 of which have been published by the Cambridge University Press.

“I am always writing,” Xu said. “I must continue researching to stay current and understand subject matter. The more you know, the more you can teach students.”

Xu’s life outside of Friends University includes being a member of the Wichita Chinese Association, where he served as president during 2003-2004. Xu spends his spare time with his wife and two sons, who still live in Arkansas.

Even though he has a busy schedule, Xu still finds ways to engage students in learning history. Xu is seeking no special awards for his dedication; he just wants students to hold onto the curriculum he has taught them.

“You must get students to enjoy your teachings,” he said. “After many years, I hope they will still remember me.”