Tennessee Tech students earned multiple top honors representing Kuwait during the university’s first appearance at the Model Arab League conference in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Assistant Professor of Political Science Inyeop “Jason” Lee said the delegation competed at the 2026 conference and received several superior delegation awards. Lee said the students participated in seven council meetings over three days to negotiate with approximately 15 delegations from more than 10 universities.
“I found the preparation for and participation in this conference to be an excellent educational and professional experience for my students,” Lee said. “They developed critical skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, research, policy analysis, diplomacy, negotiation and critical thinking.”
Students Madison Haney and Dalton Brown earned superior delegation honors in environmental affairs. The press release said Shon Knox received a superior delegation award in economic affairs.
“I really enjoyed this conference, but the most valuable learning experience for me was developing leadership and teamwork skills,” Haney said. “It was especially rewarding to collaborate with participants representing other countries and work together to solve problems. The communication skills I gained will also be highly beneficial in my future career.”
The press release said the Model Arab League is a diplomatic simulation where students act as delegates to debate regional issues and draft resolutions. Lee said the students took the lead in selecting their roles and preparing for the competition.
“Over the three-day conference, my students actively engaged in seven council meetings, role-playing as diplomats as they discussed, negotiated and collaborated with approximately 15 delegations from more than 10 universities across the Southeast,” Lee said. “Ultimately, they contributed to drafting resolutions addressing key issues in the Middle East.”
The opportunity originated from a student organization Lee founded in 2025 to provide hands-on, diplomacy-based learning. Tennessee Tech Department of Sociology and Political Science and the Chapter 606 Fund fully funded the trip.
“Understanding the politics and diplomacy of Arab countries is critically important for formulating effective U.S. foreign policy in the region and for promoting peace and mutual understanding,” Lee said. “Students also gained deeper insights into the political, economic and cultural complexities of the Arab world, enhancing their cultural awareness and global perspectives.”
Lee said he will continue to teach the Middle East politics course and lead a three-day trip to the conference each spring semester.