Mallory Chesser (’08)
May 23, 2019 

Two graduating seniors from the University of Houston, Kevin McCaslin (’19) and George Petagrew (’19), have been awarded positions as assistant language teachers in the Japan Exchange Teaching program (JET) for 2019-2020. For at least one year, they will assist in teaching English in Japan, also serving unofficially as cultural ambassadors of the United States. 

Kevin McCaslin graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the Conrad N. Hilton College, with a focus on hotel development and feasibility consulting. He was also a student in the Honors College, vice president of Eta Sigma Delta, and a member of the Honors College Student Governing Board (SGB). McCaslin has always had an interest in travel, foreign cultures, and history. For his senior Honors thesis, he conducted a feasibility study for a hypothetical Japanese-branded hotel in Houston. Dennis Reynolds, dean of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, nominated McCaslin for an outstanding thesis award, which McCaslin received on May 11. 

“I would invest money in Kevin’s hotel project, based solely on his thesis,” said Reynolds. “We also selected him as this year’s Hilton College commencement speaker. He embodies what a hospitality graduate should be, and he is certainly a future leader in the global hospitality industry.” 

George Petagrew graduated in May with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in English. As a junior at the University of Houston, he had the opportunity to study abroad in Tokyo. This experience cemented his interest in Japanese culture, language, and history. Through the Mellon Scholars Program in the Office of Undergraduate Research, he conducted research on 19th century Japanese imperialism. His close examination of Japanese history combined with his love for the country were driving forces behind his eagerness to return.

“George has taken every opportunity to develop his research on Japan,” said Karen Weber, assistant dean for co-curricular programs in the Honors College. “His work as a Mellon Scholar was fantastic, and I am thrilled he will have this opportunity to deepen his knowledge and appreciation of the Japanese culture.”

Since 1987, JET has sent more than 66,000 participants from around the globe to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. Several thousand applications to the JET program are received each year, and only half of the applicants are invited to interview. Candidates may apply to become an assistant language teacher or a coordinator for international relations. Language teachers are encouraged, but not required, to speak some Japanese. Coordinators for international relations make up only 10% of JET participants and should have a high degree of fluency. 

UH students interested in either position with JET should contact Ben Rayder, director for national fellowships and major awards in the Office of Undergraduate Research. Not only will Rayder help students with applications, but also set up practice interviews for finalists, so that candidates are able to put their best foot forward. 

“The JET program is an excellent fit for our student population,” added Weber. “I’d love to see more candidates from the University of Houston.” 

The University of Houston System (UHS) is the region’s largest provider of comprehensive university services, serving more than 72,000 students annually and producing a $7-billion impact on the Greater Houston economy each year. UHS includes four separate institutions—the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, University of Houston-Downtown and University of Houston-Victoria—as well as several teaching centers across Greater Houston. Each university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

The Honors College at the University of Houston is a nationally recognized learning community. As a vibrant, leading presence within the University, the Honors College attracts highly talented and motivated students and educators to a collegial environment where tradition is honored and possibilities are both created and realized.