Cal State L.A. Faculty Honored by French Government

Christophe Lagier, assistant professor of French at California State University, Los Angeles, has recently been named Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Knight in the Order of the Academic Palms) by the French government. This is among the highest academic honors bestowed in France.

An award letter to Lagier, signed by the cultural counselor of the French Embassy in Washington, notes: “This distinction confirms the recognition of the French authorities for your leadership in promoting our language and our culture in the United States.” (Translated from French to English)

Lagier, who joined the Cal State L.A. faculty in 1998, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Paris, France, master’s degree from San Diego State University, and Ph.D. from Princeton University. He teaches a variety of subjects ranging from language and culture to literature and business French. His area of specialization is post-World War II French theater. Lagier is the author of a book entitled, Le théatre de la parole-spectacle: Jacques Audiberti, René de Obaldia et Jean Tardieu, published by Summa Inc. in fall 2000.

Prior to Cal State L.A., Lagier was a visiting professor at Oberlin College in Ohio. He has also served as linguistic attaché for the French Consulate in Miami, Florida.

Currently, Lagier is serving as a full-time resident director in France for the CSU International Programs. As an international program resident director, Lagier is the front-line representative of the CSU overseas program in France and bears responsibility for the academic success and administrative efficiency of its educational operations.

Contact: Carol Selkin, Media Relations Director (323) 343-3044