Each new school year brings not only new students, but also new faculty. This year Taylor’s history, global and political studies department welcomes Meilin Li.
Born in northeast China, Li moved to the United States in 2016 to attend Baylor University. From there, she continued to pursue academia at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she earned her master's degree in history. She then attended the University of North Texas where she received her doctorate in political science.
After completing her education, Li found an opening at Taylor for the political economy position. Here, she will teach classes including international political economy, comparative politics and U.S. history post civil war. The education and school environment that develops students encouraged Li to invest in Taylor.
Li interviewed for the job and met the department. She enjoyed her time at Taylor and felt different than she had at any other schools she visited. She felt Taylor could help her grow spiritually and fit with her job background, she said.
She loved chapel, which has since become one of her favorite parts about Taylor. When she attended chapel with the department chair and other professors, she watched them pray with students and connect. It stood out to her, she said.
Her experience at Taylor since working there has been distinct, too, she said. In secular schools there is a lesser feel of community and less interactions between students and faculty which is not the case here, she said. She enjoys living in a small community where your neighbors know your name, she said. In bigger cities there is a stronger feeling of isolation, she said.
“Each time while I was studying in Texas, it felt like I was driving alone, heading to a place, a place that I barely knew anyone,” Li said. “But in here, it feels like going back home.”
Li enjoys teaching and studying political science, she said. She is most intrigued with how leaders respond to economic challenges and use events like this to impact their country. She will also teach on foreign direct investment and security studies, discussing topics like why countries fight wars.
Compared to the previous political science faculty, Li brings a unique understanding of quantitative methods, said Kevin Johnson, the department chair and associate professor of history and global studies. She brings a range of study and research that will open up new opportunities for students, such as a new Chinese foreign policy class that will be offered in the spring.
“When she interviewed, her willingness in anything that we pitched to her,” Johnson said. “She was enthusiastic and excited to take on the challenge.”
Johnson said that the breadth of skills and overall enthusiasm that Li has distinguished her from other applicants. Her research makes her uniquely knowledgeable on global governments, particularly East Asia. With her background, Li hopes to teach students about their interests and how to connect that with their faith.
