Global Engagement Insights: Recent Episodes
Terra Dotta
Global Engagement Insights is a podcast for professionals implementing global engagement strategies within institutions of higher education. In each episode, our guest speakers explore how colleges and universities are getting more creative in serving students and administration at the same time. Ultimately, Global Engagement Insights helps institutions increase diversity on campus and expand global opportunities for all of their students.
In this episode, Cheryl Matherly, Vice President and Vice Provost for International Affairs at Lehigh University shares her unconventional journey in international education. She discusses pivotal moments in her career and how her background in career counseling shapes her approach. She emphasizes universities as community anchors, integrating international education into teaching, research, and service, and highlights the importance of data and partnerships. She also stresses the need for SIOs to effectively communicate the value of international programs to ensure their sustainability and growth.
“International education is at the core of what a university is about—teaching, research, and service. It’s about bringing together the best minds from around the world to solve the big global challenges.” – Cheryl Matherly
In conclusion, the future of international education hinges on its seamless integration with broader institutional and community objectives. By effectively communicating the value of global initiatives to diverse stakeholders, we can ensure their relevance and sustainability, ultimately leading to a more significant impact on students and society. This approach will reinforce the vital roles universities play in fostering community engagement and global citizenship, enriching the educational landscape for all.
In this episode, Randy Kluver, Associate Provost and Dean at Oklahoma State University, underscores the importance of broadening the mission of international engagement offices. He advocates for innovation, proactive advocacy, and exploring new opportunities. Through projects like the Afghan family initiative and global trade partnerships, he illustrates the transformative community impact and funding success that can be achieved.
"To justify the university's international engagement, you must often expand your activities and initiatives. This includes building new alliances, creating innovative programs, and securing new funding sources." – Randy Kluver
Randy Kluver’s transformative journey provides key insights for SIOs aiming to expand their mission. By revitalizing programs, building strategic partnerships, and navigating geopolitical challenges, SIOs can enhance their impact within universities. Embracing a dynamic vision for internationalization, rooted in proactive engagement and strategic foresight, unlocks new opportunities and drives positive change in higher education.
Jon Stauff, Assistant VP for International Affairs at South Dakota State University, discusses the undervalued role of faculty in this field and the importance of collaboration between faculty and international education offices. He shares his experiences leading study abroad programs, highlighting faculty impact on students' global learning. He also emphasizes faculty advocacy in promoting international education and shaping the university's reputation. The conversation underscores the crucial role of faculty in driving transformative international education programs.
“Understanding the challenges of the faculty member is crucial. We need to respect what the faculty member brings to the table.” - Jon Stauff
Jon focuses on these three main takeaways: Faculty members are crucial yet often underappreciated in international education, bringing expertise that transforms student learning. Collaboration with international education offices is key for successful study abroad programs. Faculty also champion the importance of global education within and outside the university.
Mary Stegmaier, Senior International Officer at the University of Missouri, emphasizes ensuring health, safety, and security in study abroad programs. She discusses using data for risk assessment, crisis management, and emergency response, sharing insights from her recent faculty-led Central Asian program and highlighting best practices for preparedness and safety in international education.
“Being ready for emergencies relies on real-time data. Whether it's a medical emergency or a major incident abroad, our alert systems and data protocols guarantee quick, informed responses to keep our students safe.” - Mary Stegmaier
In this video, Mary emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health, safety, and security in study abroad programs. She also discusses how data can be utilized for comprehensive risk assessment to inform decision-making and implement best practices to foster a culture of preparedness and proactive crisis management.
In this episode, Mihaela Metianu, Assistant Provost for Global Engagement at Florida Atlantic University, discusses strategies for growth in international education. She stresses understanding organizational structure, building expertise, and the cyclical nature of the field. Mihaela highlights the importance of international education in combating enrollment declines and advises institutions to focus on their unique strengths and foster a sense of belonging. She underscores the role of data in planning, compliance, and advocacy, urging collaboration and knowledge-sharing among senior international officers.
“Being able to access and manage that story that the data says in an effective way is probably one of the most important aspects of what a young professional in this field should learn.” – Mihaela Metianu
In conclusion, international education growth relies on strong fundamentals, external partnerships, and data-driven decisions. By mastering core principles, collaborating, and using data, professionals can navigate challenges and drive institutional growth. Adaptability and continuous improvement are key for long-term success in this evolving field.
In this episode, Grant Chapman, Senior International Officer at Kansas State University, discusses the importance of creating a digital database to track and measure the university’s global engagement initiatives. This database will provide valuable data on partnerships, student mobility, and faculty collaborations, empowering SIOs to advocate for international education and support the university's overall mission. Universities can leverage their global work to benefit local communities and tell impactful stories of their contributions. This digital transformation is crucial for the future of higher education.
"This concept of an international inventory or digital database is a game changer as a real-time tool for advocating, pursuing new grant proposals, and sharing the impact of what we do globally." – Grant Chapman
In conclusion, the power of digital data has transformed the role of Strategic International Officers (SIOs) in higher education. The ability to harness real-time insights, advocate for global initiatives, and understand one’s place in the world has become essential for SIOs in building global relationships. By leveraging digital databases and infrastructure, SIOs can develop tools that provide a comprehensive view of their institution’s international activities, enabling them to make informed decisions and drive impactful global engagement. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the power of digital data will continue to empower SIOs in their mission to foster global relationships and create a positive impact locally and globally.
In this episode, Meredith McQuaid, former SIO of the University of Minnesota, discusses how to raise a university's profile through international education. She discusses the importance of getting university presidents on board, the power of storytelling and data in advocating for international education, and its impact on the overall student experience. McQuaid emphasizes the need for collaboration and recognition within the international education community to create meaningful change.
“International education impacts everyone on the campus through experiences, conversations, confrontations, and discussions that expand the context beyond domestic.” - Meredith McQuaid
Boosting your university's global presence involves rallying supporters, highlighting the value of international education, and securing resources. Engage stakeholders, tell impactful stories, and use data to demonstrate its transformative power. Prioritizing international education equips students for a globalized world, elevating the university's reputation.
In this episode, Charlie Bankart, the Senior Internationalization Officer at the University of Kansas, discusses the university’s commitment to international education and its role as a foundational pillar for growth and making a difference. He shares insights from their participation in the American Council on Education’s Internationalization Lab and how it has helped them assess their strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Charlie emphasizes the importance of integrating internationalization into the university’s planning and the need for proactive advocacy and collaboration with deans and other departments.
"I think the question is, is there a university out there that isn’t engaged with the world? Because I think it’s impossible." – Charlie Bankart
He also highlights the practical benefits of international education for enrolment, research, and community engagement.
In this episode, Paul Hofmann, a 4x Senior International Officer at the University of Louisville, talks about the importance of international education to universities' overall health and vitality. They discuss the impact of international education on the enrollment cliff, diversity, and the ongoing need for advocacy. Paul emphasizes the role of having a strong digital infrastructure that enables universities to serve students better and make data-driven decisions, shaping the future of international education
"One clear thing is the enrollment cliff is now here. And when we think about international student enrollment, that’s also a 10 out of 10 in terms of importance to offset." - Paul Hofmann
Paul stresses how international education is vital for higher education success, serving as a diplomatic tool, addressing enrollment decline, and bringing diversity to campuses. The future involves expanding hybrid and online programs to cater to diverse student needs. Advocacy, changing perceptions, and building support are crucial for continued growth. Paul embraces digital infrastructure that streamlines processes and improves efficiency in ways that would be nearly impossible to live without.
Jill Blondin, Ph.D. and Associate Vice Provost at Virginia Commonwealth University, has received numerous awards and accolades for her work in international education, including being named one of the top 50 voices in 2023 and SIO of the year.
"International education is vital to the importance of the institution because every institution going forward is a global institution, whether they like it or not." - Jill Blondin, Ph.D.
She discusses the importance of global engagement in higher education and shares insights on strategic budgeting best practices. She emphasizes the need for alignment with the institution’s mission and the value of data-informed decision-making. Jill also highlights the importance of constantly advocating for internationalization and fostering collaboration within and outside the institution.
"My role at the institution as the Senior International Officer is as an advocate; it is the hat I never take off. Without question, the most important part of my job is advocacy." Jill Blondin, Ph.D.
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Alison Nagy, Associate Director of Study Abroad at American University, shares her insights on how to make international education a top priority for universities. With over 18 years of experience, Nagy discusses the importance of offering a wide range of study abroad programs that align with students’ majors, making it affordable and accessible for all. She emphasizes the need for departmental buy-in, data-driven decision-making, and ongoing communication with students throughout their study abroad experience. Nagy’s success in increasing student participation to over 60% proves that international education can be a transformative and integral part of higher education.
“We want to make sure that there are options for every student who wants to go abroad.” - Alison Nagy
Alison recommends starting with departmental buy-in for universities looking to increase study-abroad participation. By working closely with academic units, universities can develop guidance for each major, outlining the requirements and options for studying abroad. This collaboration ensures that academic advisors are on board and can provide the necessary support to students.
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Paulo Zagalo-Melo is the Associate Provost for Global Education at Western Michigan University. With over 30 years of experience in international education, Paulo has a background in accounting, finance, and management.
Paulo discusses the importance of internationalization in higher education as the most critical growth opportunity to address declining enrollments. He highlights the financial and economic value of international student enrollment and the impact on research, innovation, and cultural understanding.
“We have to internally show that we are everywhere, that what we do impacts most, if not everything, that the university is doing or could impact if embedded into those activities or those programs.” - Paulo Zagalo-Melo
Paulo emphasizes the need to align internationalization with the institution's mission and strategic plan, making a strong case for its importance. He also discusses the challenges of securing resources and funding and the role of strategic budgeting in ensuring the sustainability of global engagement programs and higher education overall.
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We often hear putting ourselves in someone else's shoes is the tried-and-true way to understand what they are going through. But learning to look at the world that way and approaching people in that manner takes time and sometimes requires the assistance of trained professionals, such as educational workers.
Therefore, universities around the world create international programs that enable students to study abroad and with students from different historical and cultural backgrounds, which will undoubtedly add to their personal growth and career development.
In this episode of Global Engagement Insights, Joe DeCrosta, the executive director of the Center for Global Engagement at Duquesne University, joins our host Ron Carson to discuss internationalization in higher education. Joe explains what these programs include, how they benefit the faculty and students, how he got his colleagues on board with the idea, and their future endeavors.
Moving to another country for education comes with many challenges, including language and cultural barriers. But, even when one is fluent in English, as in this case, our guest Jean Choy says that the cultural shock is no joke. Given the success depends on students' success, it's of the utmost importance for institutions to eliminate bias and help students from different backgrounds assimilate at an appropriate pace.
Jean Choy is the associate dean of Executive Education, Global EMBA & International Initiatives at the University of Washington, Foster School of Business. In today's episode of Global Engagement Insights, Jean and host Ron Carson discuss how to work with students from different backgrounds, the importance of acknowledging and eliminating bias, and the difference between an excellent researcher and teacher and how to be both. Finally, Jean discusses inclusive learning and how to practice it.
Global branding refers to the management of a brand in different regions of the world to increase its strength and recognition in the markets where it operates. And if you successfully market your global story and create an excellent global brand, you will attract more people and grow.
But creating a global brand takes a lot of work. It is not enough to advertise and invest money in marketing. You have to get to know the market, determine the target groups and offer them what they need. However, above all, you have to be original and bring something new and attractive.
In this episode of Global Engagement Insights, our host David Sanderson welcomes Jeffrey Riedinger, Vice Provost for Global Affairs at the University of Washington. Jeff explains how to craft a good global story and share it. Jeff and David discuss the importance of using real-time data and what kind of data the University of Washington provides to faculty members and students.
Studying and working abroad adds a unique layer to one's life experience and allows one to broaden their perspectives, learn new languages, and familiarize themselves with other cultures. But not everyone has the same opportunity, or at least, they think they don't. Therefore, we need to use as many channels as possible to communicate enrollment options at a particular educational institution.
In this episode of Global Engagement Insights, we are joined by Jim Ketterer, the dean of the School of Continuing Education, The American University in Cairo. Jim discusses what makes an educational institution international, the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and the impact of digital transformation. He also touches upon the importance of mentorships and how global experiences are not about changing your location; they are about changing your mindset.
Global engagement programs are about big-picture thinking, and they help students prepare for global impact and engagement. But how do you develop a global engagement program in your school?
In this episode of the Global Engagement Insights podcast, our host Chike Lawrence-Mitchell welcomes Ilgu Ozler, the director of the SUNY Global Engagement Program at the New Paltz State University of New York. They talk about the power of global engagement, the importance of big-picture thinking, and the ways to do globally engaged work at a local level.
Being part of the education system has always been prestigious and is a confirmation of one's excellence. But, as with every business, universities must look outside the box to find the best candidates. In addition, the current business climate forces educational institutions to redefine hiring as employees' perceptions and employment preferences have changed.
Therefore, we invited Nick Gozik, Dean of Global Education at Elon University, to discuss the challenges of building an international education office team. Nick and our host Travis Ulrich discuss how universities approach hiring, onboarding, and employee retention. They also touch upon flexibility and remote work and reveal whether they are possible in systems such as university administrations.
Finally, Nick explains why educational institutions must work on diversity and inclusion to attract the best candidates. Nick also shares details of two e-books he’s currently working on. One is about building a culture that nurtures diversity, enabling staff to give their best self to the organization, and the other is about partnerships between institutions on a local and international level.