Education Abroad Faculty Fellows - 2026 cohort

 

From left to right, the front row includes Sarah Panzer, Asif Ishtiaque, and Leslie Echols; the middle row includes Nancy Kageyama, Alison Alaimo, and Kristen Thornton; and in the back row, from left to right, are Amanda Benedict-Chambers and Robert Geibler.
From left to right, the front row includes Sarah Panzer, Asif Ishtiaque, and Leslie Echols; the middle row includes Nancy Kageyama, Alison Alaimo, and Kristen Thornton; and in the back row, from left to right, are Amanda Benedict-Chambers and Robert Geibler.

Congratulations to the 2026 cohort of Education Abroad Faculty Fellows!

Missouri State University is proud to announce the 2026 cohort of the Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program, an initiative designed to support faculty in the development, implementation, and leadership of faculty-directed education abroad programs. The program offers a dynamic learning opportunity for faculty members to enhance their global engagement, foster cultural immersion, and create meaningful educational experiences for students.

 

This year’s cohort includes eight faculty members from every college and a diverse range of disciplines, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives to the program. The selected Fellows are:

 

  • Alison Alaimo (MCHHS)
  • Dr. Amanda Benedict-Chambers (COE)
  • Dr. Leslie Echols (MCHHS)
  • Dr. Robert Geibler (RCASH)
  • Dr. Asif Ishtiaque (CNAS)
  • Dr. Nancy Kageyama (DCOAG)
  • Dr. Sarah Panzer (RCASH)
  • Kristen Thornton (COB)

 

The Fellows will participate in a series of interactive workshops designed to connect them with essential education abroad resources and to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for developing impactful global learning experiences.

The program places a special emphasis on sustainability, with a culminating eight-day travel experience to Barcelona. During this immersive trip, the Fellows will engage with sustainability-themed content, providing both practical learning opportunities and insight into how they can incorporate sustainable practices into their future education abroad programs. The experience will guide faculty members as they begin to shape their own faculty-directed programs, ensuring that they are well-prepared to lead enriching, culturally immersive travel experiences for students in the future.

"We are thrilled to support these faculty members in their journey to create global learning experiences that not only enrich students’ academic careers but also foster greater global awareness and responsibility," said Elizabeth Strong, Director of Education Abroad. "Through the Fellows Program, we aim to empower faculty to create programs that have a lasting impact on students’ education and personal growth."

The Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program is a key step in enhancing Missouri State University’s commitment to global learning and cultural engagement. This is the second year of the program, which will continue to evolve, and each year’s cohort will help build a strong foundation for faculty-led education abroad initiatives at the university.

Please join us in congratulating the first cohort of Fellows and stay tuned for more updates on their exciting work in international education!