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Making learning abroad affordable

Currently learning abroad opportunities are being impacted by COVID-19. For the latest information go here.

When you hear the words “study abroad” what comes to mind? You may have heard the prevalent myth that it’s too expensive. I’m here to tell you that it can be affordable and is a great complement to your academic journey at the U. Establishing your goals, especially your budget goal, is key to making learning abroad a reality for you.

In addition to running workshops about funding your experience, learning abroad recently created an affordable programs page. Here you can find resources about things to consider such as goals, location and program length, how to plan and a list of programs that we consider to be close to the cost of regular attendance at the U for most majors. There are numerous affordable opportunities you can take advantage of and, surprisingly, many aren’t sought after.

Learning abroad is an experience that with patience, strategy, and sometimes compromise, is totally attainable. For example, if you know you can only budget for $3,000 plus the cost of attendance at the U, focus on programs that fall within your range. Yes, many of you want to go to London, but London may not be in the range above, but a program in Spain or France (still taught in English) might be. They are in the same region and only a train ride or short flight away. Another example could be that you want to learn Spanish. In addition to doing research for Spain, explore programs in Latin America, which in many cases are more affordable. Ask yourself, is your actual goal to go to Spain, or learn Spanish? See, compromise and strategy.

Five years ago, when I decided I wanted to learn abroad, I made a wish list of locations and topics I wanted to study, and started my research. This was a year out from when I actually planned to go abroad, a timeframe I always recommend to students I advise. I eventually found the best program to complement my degree and that met my budget goals. After confirming the holistic (program cost, flight, housing, insurance, food, etc.) cost, I started working a second job and applied for scholarships for additional assistance. A year later, when it came time to pay for my program, I had saved the total amount needed, including flights and extra spending money. The location wasn’t my first choice, but the topic was spot on and contributed to my degree.

Learning Abroad introduces you to different perspectives, allows you to gain transferable skills, and helps you stand out amongst your peers with employers and on grad school applications. Our office has over 500+ programs in 50+ countries with opportunities to learn, intern and research, many taught in English. Set your goals, find an affordable program and be the 1 in 10 that learns abroad.

U Asia Campus Names Chris M. Ireland Hall

Dr. Chris M. Ireland

The main reception hall at the U Asia Campus, formerly known as U104, was renamed Chris M. Ireland Hall during the campus’s June 2021 commencement ceremonies.

“We sought to recognize Dr. Ireland’s dedication and service to the U Asia Campus community,” said Greg Hill, Chief Administrative Officer and Dean of Faculty. “As the heart of our campus, this space brings together students, faculty, staff, and community. It is fitting that one of the most-used spaces in this building now bears Dr. Ireland’s name.”

Honored by the acknowledgment, Ireland remarked that it’s quite special to have his name connected to a space that is designed for “meeting, gathering, and creating community. Everyone on campus passes through this place and that means a lot to me.”

Ireland’s connections to South Korea date back to the late 1990s when he and his wife Mary Kay Harper–also a research scientist–developed close friendships with Korean graduate students. The couple stayed in touch with the students over the years–watching them build their professional careers and reconnecting at international research symposia. Later, as dean of pharmacy, Ireland made annual trips to Korea with the late Sung Wan Kim (emeritus U of U Health distinguished professor of pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry and a distinguished professor of bioengineering) to strengthen connections between the U’s College of Pharmacy and South Korea. The personal connections led Ireland to develop a deep appreciation for the history and culture of the country.

In 2015, when the U was looking to develop its new campus in Incheon, it tapped Ireland for his experience in the region. He was appointed chief administrative officer of the Utah Asia Campus, overseeing its significant expansion over the next three years. He also supported a revitalization of the Korean Alumni Association.

“Korea has come to mean so much to us,” said Ireland. “Those relationships we fostered early on have endured and came to have an enormous impact on me and my family. Perhaps this space will nurture relationships for others that will become lasting and meaningful as well.”

Ireland joined the U as an assistant professor of medicinal chemistry in 1983. During his 37 years on the faculty, he established himself as a world leader in the field of natural product drug discovery—publishing extensively, managing a $25 million portfolio in extramural research funding, and training dozens of graduate and postdoctoral students. He served as chair of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry from 1992 to 1999 and as dean of the College of Pharmacy from 2009 to 2014. He retired this summer from his most recent post as Chief Global Officer in the Office for Global Engagement.

International Alumni: Muhammad Aiman Arashid

International Alumni Profile
Muhammad Aiman Arashid
Malaysia

ISSS recently launched an International Alumni Survey to connect with international alumni from all over the world, discover the amazing things they’ve accomplished since finishing their degree, and gather their advice to incoming international students about how to have a successful and enjoyable experience at the U.

Today we introduce you to Muhammad Aiman Arashid, a 2018 graduate from Malaysia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and now works as a lab technician at US Magnesium. In the fall of 2021, Arashid will head back to the U to begin his master’s studies in Occupational Health with an emphasis in Industrial Hygiene. Read on to learn more about his experience.

Muhammad Aiman Arashid

Why did you choose to study at the University of Utah?
The University of Utah chemistry program ranks in Top 100 Chemistry Schools in the United States. The U also is located in the heart of Salt Lake City which is beautiful and is my favourite place in Utah.

How did your experience at the University of Utah help prepare you for your future career goals?
The University of Utah have shaped me to become a well-rounded person by providing a balance between studies and social life through variety of classes and social events. My time at the U of U Chemistry Department also helped me so much by giving me early exposure of a lot of instruments that I am using right now in the chemical industry.

The U held multiple career fairs every year which help me to put myself out there to employers even when I was still a freshman. Those experiences of being able to meet the recruiters every year is so valuable to me especially during job interviews. I was able to improve my communication and build confidence in myself.

Did you have a mentor, teacher or other staff member at the University of Utah who inspired you?
I look up very much to Dr. Peter B. Armentrout. He is the Henry Eyring Presidential Endowed Chair of Chemistry. I look up to him because he is a person who is very successful in his career, takes care of his health and is a very humble, kind person who always helps others. Dr. Armentrout has always encouraged me to keep going even though I was having a hard time during my studies. My time working under his research group also increased my knowledge, gave me experiences in using new instruments and allowed me to see what a graduate student life is like as I got to work with them.

What is one thing you learned at the University of Utah that you will never forget?
That you should never ever gave up on yourself. There is always a solution or alternative and you just have to look for it. Let people know that you need help and there will be someone out there who is ready and willing to help.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing your professional career?
Experience is the key. Keep learning and take the chance to use all the laboratory instruments available during your studies. Internship experience will also help you to prepare yourself for the chemical industry since you get to know first-hand the importance of accuracy of laboratory results in real life. It matters to the point that it could affect someone’s life if it is done wrong.

What was your favorite class at the U of U, and why?
Expository Wrtg for EAS (EAS 1060). I got to meet all other international students from all over the world and the class improved my writing significantly thanks to Melissa who is an amazing teacher.

What was your favorite place you visited in Utah, and why?
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. I got the chills every time I started at the top of mountain route before snowboarding. The view is always breathtaking and snowboarding is exhilarating.

…

Are you a former international student at the U? Click here to fill out the International Alumni Survey, and ISSS could feature your alumni story on their website, newsletters, and social media!

U Receives U.S. State Department IDEAS Grant for Study Abroad

The University of Utah is one of only 26 U.S. colleges and universities, out of 132 applicants, selected to receive a 2021 IDEAS (Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students) grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Capacity Building Program for U.S. Study Abroad. The award helps institutions create, expand, and/or diversify American student mobility overseas in support of U.S. foreign policy goals.

Through the IDEAS Grant award, the U’s Office for Global Engagement (OGE) will work directly with the TRIO Programs Office to facilitate a training session for TRIO advisors at the University of Utah Asia Campus in South Korea, and will fully support three students served by TRIO to study at the U Asia Campus.

During their experiential training, TRIO advisors will learn how to empower and advise underrepresented students regarding international academic experiences. The TRIO students will participate in the Global LEAP program, which provides a first-year international experience for U students.

Traveling abroad early in a student’s academic career sets them up for integrating global education into their entire university experience. “Given what we know about international experiences leading to higher graduation rates, this presents a powerful mechanism for helping these students reach graduation,” said Dr. Sabine Klahr, Associate Chief Global Officer and Executive Director for Learning Abroad. “By connecting advisors with students who are actively participating in their first international experience, we can help advisors understand what daily life is like for these students. In turn, the advisors can better prepare the students who will follow.”

Advisors and students will interact directly, allowing students to articulate the benefits and challenges of their experience directly to the advisors. Upon their return to campus, TRIO advisors will build a strategic advising program and staff outreach plan to increase the participation of underrepresented students in Global LEAP, at the U Asia Campus, and learning abroad in general.

“Our U Asia Campus is ideal for a first-year international experience—and especially for students who may not have traveled abroad before coming to the U,” said Klahr, noting the safety of the South Korea location, the on-site staff, classes taught in English, and the fact that the same general education courses are available as on the SLC campus. The U Asia Campus is also a very affordable option since students pay resident tuition and lower costs for housing.

“The U.S. Department of State is committed to expanding study abroad opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds studying at colleges and universities across the United States. Americans studying abroad serve as citizen ambassadors by building relationships within their host communities, demonstrating American values, and countering stereotypes. They also gain critical job skills abroad that in turn benefit their home communities. We are committed to continuing our strong support for U.S. colleges and universities as they build their study abroad capacity now, in anticipation of a strong return to U.S. student mobility in the future,” said Heidi Manley, USA Study Abroad Chief, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

This U.S. Government program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and supported in its implementation by World Learning. In addition to the IDEAS grant competition, the program also offers opportunities for faculty, staff, and administrators at U.S. colleges and universities to participate in a series of free virtual and in-person study abroad capacity building activities.

For more information, including a full list of 2021 IDEAS grant recipients, visit the Capacity Building Program for U.S. Study Abroad website at studyabroadcapacitybuilding.org. Funded projects are supporting such activities as developing new international partnerships and programs, training faculty and staff, internationalizing curriculum, creating resources to engage diverse student groups in study abroad and creating virtual exchanges. Once international travel resumes in full, these IDEAS grant recipients will be better equipped to deliver impactful and inclusive study abroad programs around the globe.

New Chief Global Officer Named

Brian Gibson

University of Utah Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dan Reed announced Brian Gibson has been named the university’s new chief global officer. 

Gibson, a noted leader of internationalization and global engagement efforts, joins the U after most recently serving as executive director of George Mason University’s Global Education Office. He will assume his new role July 1 and will be working both on campus and remotely until students return for the Fall semester. 

“Brian Gibson joins the University of Utah at a moment of incredible global transition and change,” Reed said. “His expertise in building international education networks will be essential as the university strengthens its support for international students, learning abroad initiatives, and campuses and learning programs around the world.”  

In five years at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, Gibson founded the university’s Global Education Office and oversaw global learning programs, which doubled in size during his tenure, growing from 900 to 1,700 students. He managed more than 200 global programs, launching the university’s first experiential learning program and developing its first travel safety and security system.  

Before his time at George Mason, Gibson led Northeastern University’s Global Experience Office for two years. From 2012 to 2014, he was a visiting professor at City University of Hong Kong; and from 2006 to 2012, Gibson was Columbia University’s assistant dean for Comparative and International Programs. He served as acting branch chief for the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Office from 2004 to 2006.  

At the U, Gibson will be responsible for leading the Office of Global Engagement, leading the planning and execution of strategic internationalization initiatives, including the Utah Asia Campus, where student enrollment has grown to more than 400 students studying in six undergraduate and two master’s degree programs. He will be a member of the Academic Affairs leadership team. 

Gibson said his passion for global engagement started with a transformative experience in high school, when he was a foreign exchange student to Sweden. 

“Our conversations must always start and end with students,” Gibson said. “I see global engagement at the center of this swirling mass of creativity, research, discovery and enrichment, where we broaden our diversity and align strengths between our international partners and our faculty and broader university community. Indeed, robust global engagement is a fundamental objective of the university and it is everyone’s job, not just the Office of Global Engagement.” 

Gibson’s research focuses on African customary law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in International Economics and a J.D. in Comparative and International Law from Georgetown University, and a master’s degree from Columbia University. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Amsterdam. 

Gibson succeeds Chris Ireland, who is retiring after serving as the university’s chief global officer since 2018. 

Chief Global Officer Receives Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence

Chris M. Ireland, chief global officer and Distinguished Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, is the 2021 recipient of the Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence.

 

The Rosenblatt Prize is the University of Utah’s highest faculty accolade and is presented annually to a faculty member who transcends ordinary teaching, research and administrative efforts. A group of distinguished faculty members on the Rosenblatt Prize Committee recommends esteemed colleagues for consideration and the university’s president makes the final selection.

 

“Dr. Chris Ireland has a remarkable record of accomplishment across every element of his career. He is a stellar scientist and innovator, a highly regarded teacher and mentor, and an admired academic leader,” said Ruth V. Watkins, who selected Ireland as the 2021 Rosenblatt recipient during her tenure as the 16th president of the University of Utah. “His service to the University of Utah is particularly impressive, with excellence in his leadership role as dean of pharmacy and path-breaking efforts to guide the Utah Asia Campus to success in its early phase of development.”

 

About Chris Ireland

 

From Utah to South Korea, Ireland has made a mark as an outstanding researcher, mentor, administrator and diplomat. Ireland is currently the university’s chief global officer, though his contributions to the university’s global mission extend back nearly two decades.

 

In 2015, Ireland was named the university’s chief administrative officer and official representative to the Korean government at the U’s Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea. One nominator noted Ireland assumed leadership of the U’s Asia Campus at a critical time in its development and proved a true diplomat and guiding force in establishing a strong, successful campus. The result has been increases in enrollment at the Asia Campus, a broader recognition of the U’s role in the global community and an international reputation as a leading research university.

 

“Dr. Ireland did a masterful job of navigating the myriad cultural, bureaucratic and political obstacles that threatened the success of the enterprise,” a nominator noted. “He has placed the Utah Asia Campus on a solid footing characterized by strong relationships of trust and enthusiastic Korean support for our presence there.”

 

Ireland is a world leader in the field of marine natural products, devoting his career in medicinal chemistry to investigating animals, plants and fungi that could be used as pharmacological tools, specifically to treat cancer. Known for highly creative and original research, Ireland has authored or co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, eight book chapters, holds eight patents and received over $25 million in research funding. Ireland is a respected mentor who has guided four master’s students, 19 doctoral students and more than 30 postdoctoral students and research faculty—many who have proceeded to have outstanding careers in industry and academe. Ireland was an inaugural recipient of the University’s Distinguished Mentor Award in 2006.

 

Ireland has received numerous awards for his research work, including being named an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow, an NIH Career Development Award, the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology, and, in 2014, the Paul J. Scheuer Award—the most prestigious award in the field of marine natural products. He has the respect and acclaim of colleagues nationally and internationally.

 

In his nearly 40 years at the U, Ireland has served in many capacities within his college: professor, the L.S. Skaggs Presidential Endowed Chair, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Distinguished Professor of Medicinal Chemistry. Ireland is a “strong and innovative leader who has had a direct and positive impact on administrative colleagues, faculty, staff and students alike,” one nominator said. During his academic career, Ireland spent time as a visiting scholar at Griffiths University in Australia; as an Honorary Research Fellow at the Queensland Museum Biodiversity Program, also in Australia; and as a Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

 

“For essentially his entire career, he has been deeply engaged in promoting excellence through his research, teaching and administrative efforts,” another supporter said, and his commitment to the university has been unwavering.

 

About the Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence

 

The Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence is an endowed award, given annually to a member of the faculty at the University of Utah “to honor excellence in teaching, research and administrative efforts, collectively or individually, on behalf of the university.”

 

The endowment was created to honor Nathan and Tillie Rosenblatt on the centenary of their immigration to Utah and in recognition of their legacy of civic leadership and generosity. Originally established in 1983, the award was later increased by Joseph and Evelyn Rosenblatt and their family. The endowment and its gifts ensure the annual award of $50,000.

 

Click here to learn more about the Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence.

‘Minari’ takes home an Academy Award

Congratulations to University of Utah alumnus Lee Isaac Chung MFA ’04 for his Academy Award nominations at the 93rd annual ceremony on Sunday, April 25, 2021. His film “Minari” deservingly received six nominations including best director, screenwriter, actor, supporting actress, original score and picture.

The film’s big moment of the night was Yuh-Jung Youn’s well-deserved win in the best supporting actress category. Youn portrays the family grandmother in the film, which has been lauded as a soaring ode to the experience of some immigrants, particularly those of Asian descent who settled in rural America.

Chung is a graduate of the U’s Department of Film & Media Arts in the College of Fine Arts and was also a professor at the University’s Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea. Chung taught special courses including Introduction to Documentary Studies, Film History until 1952, Screenwriting I and Advanced Documentary Filmmaking in the film & media arts program for two semesters in 2018 and 2019. During his time at the U Asia Campus, Chung took students to Busan International Film Festival where he invited Youn to share her story with his students.

The film and media arts program has quickly become one of the most popular programs offered at U Asia Campus. The program launched in 2017, with just 11 students and more than 50 students were admitted to the program in 2020.

The film and media arts department on the U Asia Campus hosted a virtual screening event of Chung’s “Minari” ahead of the Oscars ceremony.

An exclusive screening event of “Minari” was held for staff and faculty on the U Asia Campus with English subtitles in partnership with the local theatre chain, MegaBox, with COVID-19 protocols observed. After the screening attendees had a conversation about the movie where many of the faculty applauded the storyline and screenplay and engaged in an in-depth discussion about the distinctive way Chung approached the film’s ending.

Learn more about Chung’s path to the Oscars.

2021 GLAD Grant Awarded to Develop the Puerto Rico Resiliency LAB

Evaluating the study site in Loiza, Puerto Rico.

The Office for Global Engagement is pleased to award a 2021 Global Learning Across Disciplines (GLAD) Grant to Drs. Ivis Garcia and Divya Chandrasekhar.

The $2,500 award will help support the Puerto Rico Resiliency LAB —a new studio course in the department of City and Metropolitan Planning.

The course seeks to develop—alongside students, faculty, and community organizations—planning solutions that promote sustainability, resiliency, and equity in a recovery scenario while enhancing global learning.

Students enrolled in the course will work directly with a Puerto Rican community affected by the 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Through participatory action research, they will learn how people in other parts of the world live with water and flooding risks, with special focus on low-income communities of color. The psychophysical resiliency demonstrated by these communities will also be investigated. Students will strengthen their intercultural competency by working reflectively in essays and vlogs, and presenting their work.

The course will be taught online with community partners, including the municipality of Loiza, Puerto Rico, and area non-profits. Students and faculty at the U will also collaborate with peers at the Iowa State University, University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and the University of Urbana-Champaign. A total of 20 students per year might benefit directly from the course, while many more will benefit from lectures.

“Drs. Garcia and Chandrasekhar are cultivating extraordinary opportunities for student learning, and for the U to serve the global community. The Office for Global Engagement is delighted to support this innovative course through the GLAD program,” said Sabine Klahr, Associate Chief Global Officer.

Since its launch in 2015, the GLAD award has supported 22 U faculty projects–providing a total of $210,000 for team awards to infuse global learning across academic programs, and $2,500 for individual course development. The next call for proposals will be announced in October 2021. Learn more about the GLAD program here.

U ASIA CAMPUS PROVIDES AVENUE FOR GLOBAL EXPERIENCE—EVEN DURING A PANDEMIC

Through the U Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea, the University of Utah has maintained opportunities for students seeking an international learning experience, even as the coronavirus pandemic paused most in-person learning abroad programs.

“We’re very lucky to still be able to offer students the experience of studying in South Korea—and for our Asia Campus students to study here in Salt Lake,” said Randy McCrillis, executive director, Office for Global Engagement. “It’s an opportunity that many may not have realized is available to U students, so it’s been great to really showcase everything the U Asia Campus offers.”

Enrollment at the U Asia Campus has increased steadily since its founding in 2014. Initially launched with just 13 students, the U Asia Campus has grown quickly and admitted 211 students in the last academic year alone. At the beginning of spring 2021, a total of 439 students were enrolled at the Incheon campus.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 15, APPLY HERE

The latest increase is due, in part, to a new Global LEAP program created by the Office for Global Engagement and Undergraduate Studies, which gives freshmen an opportunity to spend their second semester at the U Asia Campus. While most students plan learning abroad experiences into their last two years of study, Global LEAP is designed to give students an early academic introduction to international education.

Global LEAP student Lisa Mendez at the U Asia Campus.

“This is an opportunity for students to have a very early experience that could really define their undergraduate education and set them on a globally-minded path,” said Sabine Klahr, associate chief global officer and executive director, Learning Abroad.

The 2020 cohort of 17 Global LEAP students spent fall semester studying in Salt Lake. Eight of those students then chose to travel to South Korea in January, completed the country’s requisite quarantine and will finish their freshman year in Incheon.

“The reason I chose to study at U Asia Campus was the opportunity to be able to make new friends and get that ‘college-in-person’ experience,” said Lisa Mendez, Global LEAP student. “It means a lot to me mentally and emotionally, since I can engage and focus more on classes during the pandemic.”

McCrillis, who spent the last four years in Incheon as dean of students, feels fortunate to have been able to offer this opportunity to students throughout the pandemic. “The relative safety of South Korea and the seriousness with which the country follows health protocols has made the U Asia Campus a wonderful option for students seeking to continue their major while experiencing life abroad,” said McCrillis. “As everywhere, there have been inevitable disruptions but we are so thankful to our students for their resilience and flexibility during this challenging time. Their partnership in upholding safety measures has been extraordinary.”

The U is a founding member of the Incheon Global Campus and offers undergraduate programs in Communication, Psychology, Urban Ecology, Film & Media Arts, Civil & Environmental Engineering and Computer & Electrical Engineering. Graduate programs in Public Health and Biomedical Informatics are offered as well. All courses are taught in English by U faculty and students live in residence on campus. Just like the U Salt Lake campus, U Asia Campus welcomes students from around the world with a focus on developing global leaders.

“We have always known that having locations around the globe is beneficial for the U in many ways and these uncertain times have underscored that knowledge,” said Chris Ireland, chief global officer, Office for Global Engagement. “Having a campus in South Korea gave the University of Utah campus in Utah a preview of the pandemic and insight into how to prepare in Salt Lake. Our U Asia Campus fostered wonderful collaborations for our health professionals here in Utah. It’s made it possible for us to still send students out into the world during this challenging time for travel”.

While faculty-led and affiliate learning abroad programs remain paused through summer due to public health concerns, student travel to the U Asia Campus remains open and falls outside the scope of current university travel restrictions. The U Asia Campus is the only international program location where U students have direct access to an established network of university-managed health and safety support services. Strong communication links between the two campuses, alongside shared student resources and assistance tools, allow for the University to continue to support student mobility to the U Asia Campus.

Students are invited to take advantage of Utah Asia Campus programming this summer—taking one to two courses over six weeks from late June to early August. Applications are due April 15.

TONY ANGHIE AND DR. KELLY BRICKER WIN EXCELLENCE IN GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT AWARDS

Dr. Tony Anghie

The Office for Global Engagement is pleased to announce professors Tony Anghie and Kelly Bricker as the winners of the 2021 Excellence in Global Engagement Awards.

Dr. Tony Anghie

Anghie joined the faculty at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law faculty in 1995. He served on the University President’s Task Force on Internationalization and on various other committees examining issues of internationalization at the university level. Anghie’s research interests include public and private international law; human rights; globalization, development issues, and international law; terrorism and the use of force; international business transactions and international economic law; colonialism and the history of public international law; and third world approaches to international law.

Anghie’s nominators—Dean Elizabeth Kronk Warner, as well as Dr. Erika George and Dr. Jacqueline Esty Morrison of the College of Law–detailed his broad and deep impact on students pursuing global education opportunities, on internationalizing the curriculum, in his scholarly work, and in developing programs such as the Master of Science in International Affairs and Global Enterprise.

Dr. Kelly Bricker

Bricker is Chair of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (PRT) in the College of Health and joined the U in 2007. Her research and teaching interests lie in nature-based tourism, sense of place, gateway communities, natural resource management, health benefits of nature-based experiences, and the impacts of tourism.

Dr. Kelly Bricker

Bricker has played a key role in defining curriculum for the Office for Global Engagement’s China National Parks Program. She serves on the boards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the Tourism and Protected Area Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the Central Wasatch Stakeholders Council. With her husband, partners in OARS, and 12 communities in the rural highlands of Fiji, Bricker established a lease for conservation on the Upper Navua River, through an ecotourism project they created called Rivers Fiji.

Bricker is co-author or editor of seven books on sustainable tourism, ecotourism, and the restorative qualities of nature. She has contributed numerous chapters to books on tourism’s environmental and social impacts and authored more than 60 journal articles.

Nominators College of Health Dean David Perrin, Dr. Daniel Dustin of PRT, and Deborah Kerstetter (Professor Emerita at Pennsylvania State University), spoke to Bricker’s numerous and long-term contributions to the U’s global dimension, across teaching, scholarly achievements, and outreach. The selection committee was impressed by Bricker’s connections and work spanning Europe, Fiji, and East Asia as well as the sheer variety of engagement from providing students with global education opportunities, internationalizing the curriculum, development of professional training programs for administrators in China and Mongolia, and scholarly work/consulting regarding best practices in multiple areas: ecotourism, national parks management, environmental studies. Her nominators also mentioned the great enthusiasm with which Bricker approaches teaching, projects, scholarship, and outreach.

Anghie’s and Bricker’s contributions toward advancing internationalization at the U are truly exemplary and worthy of this distinguished recognition. The award comes with a $1,000 prize and awardees will be celebrated at an event later this year.