Sexual assault prevention expert to speak

Dr. John Foubert, one of the nation’s leading authorities on rape and sexual assault prevention, will speak in Northwestern College’s chapel service on Monday, Nov. 17, at 10:05 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Foubert serves as the national president of One in Four, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of sexual assault through thoughtful application of theory and research to rape prevention programming. He will present a research-based perspective on pornography during his chapel speech. Although he will touch on biblical and theological discernment, much of his talk will include thought-provoking insight into the porn industry and pornography’s effect on the human brain and psyche.

Foubert’s visit is part of a series of meetings coordinated by Northwestern’s student life department. This series, entitled “Ngage: Ideas in Conversation,” is aimed at providing students with a safe, supportive atmosphere to discuss topics of importance to them within a Christian community.

He will also present an informative training session for Northwestern faculty and staff on how to create a campus climate in which sexual assault is less likely to happen, assaults that occur get reported, and survivors are supported.

“John is one of the leading voices on the connection between pornography use and violence toward women,” says Marlon Haverdink, director of residence life at Northwestern. “His mission is unique in that he tries to bridge research with practice in an effort to promote social change. I have personally witnessed his passion to this mission, and I respect him a great deal for it.”

Foubert has authored nine books, seven of which deal with the prevention of sexual assault. He has published numerous articles in some of the most respected peer review journals in both education and psychology, and has been called upon by the White House and the Pentagon for his expertise in rape prevention. Foubert is also the recipient of several national awards for his scholarship and service, including the Annuit Coeptis Senior Professional Award from the American College Personnel Association.

A professor of higher education and student affairs at Oklahoma State University, Foubert earned a doctorate in college student personnel from the University of Maryland, a master’s in psychology from the University of Richmond and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of William and Mary.

Foubert is appearing under the auspices of the Ronald R. Nelson Scholars and Artists in Residence Program, which seeks to inspire students with scholarship that encourages peace and justice. The program is named in honor of a history professor who taught at Northwestern from 1974 until his death in 1985.