If you follow Rhode Island politics, you’ll know the name Maureen Moakley.  A longtime political commentator on radio and television, she’s also a well-respected political science professor at URI whose latest project is fresh off today’s headlines.

Thanks to her persistence and connections, Moakley helped create a study abroad program for students in Cuba, which recently opened its doors to the United States after more than a half-century-long diplomatic freeze.

Besides its timeliness, the partnership with the Institute of Philosophy in Havana is important for another reason: It reflects URI’s resolve to become a global institution.

“It’s crucial for students today to be exposed to different cultures around the world,’’ says Moakley. “The new program will prepare our students for a global workforce and the responsibilities of global citizenship.’’

Moakley and her colleague, Richard McIntyre, an economics professor and co-director of the Cuba program, visited the island nation several times over the years as part of URI’s J term—educational opportunities for students during the winter break. A semester-long program in Cuba was the next step.

Students will live in an apartment complex in a Havana suburb while studying Cuban society, economic development, Cuban literature and, of course, the Cuban Revolution. They’ll also do internships and attend lectures by artists, writers, and scholars.

“It’s our hope,’’ says Moakley, “that both countries can now begin to learn from one other.’’