Education Abroad Faculty Fellows - 2025 cohort

Education Abroad Faculty Fellows cohort group photo on an indoor staircase in a college of business campus building

From left to right, the front row includes Clara Dickinson and Jeff Loughary; the second row includes Kelly Dudley and William Harwood; the third row includes Nikki Ferry, Asif Ishtiaque, and Benjamin Beranek and in the back row is Stephanie Urich.

 

Congratulations to the inaugural 2025 cohort of Education Abroad Faculty Fellows!

Missouri State University is proud to introduce the inaugural cohort of the Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program, an initiative supporting faculty in the development, implementation, and leadership of faculty-directed education abroad programs. The program prepares faculty to deepen their global engagement and create meaningful, culturally immersive learning experiences for students.

The 2025 cohort includes eight faculty members representing a diverse range of disciplines. Each brings valuable expertise and perspectives to this new initiative. The selected Fellows are:

  • Dr. Benjamin Beranek (COB)
  • Clara Dickinson (DCOAG)
  • Kelly Dudley (MCHHS)
  • Nikki Ferry (RCASH)
  • Dr. William Harwood (RCASH)
  • Dr. Asif Ishtiaque (CNAS)
  • Jeff Loughary (RCASH)
  • Stephanie Urich (MCHHS)

 

The Fellows will participate in interactive workshops that connect them with essential education abroad resources and equip them with the knowledge and skills to develop and lead effective global learning experiences.

With a special emphasis on sustainability, the program will culminate in five-day travel experience to Costa Rica. Through sustainability-themed activities and cultural immersion, Fellows will explore how to incorporate sustainable practices and meaningful opportunities for reflection into their future education abroad programs. This experience will help faculty translate their learning into programs that connect academic content with local cultures and global issues.

“We are thrilled to support these faculty members as they create global learning experiences that enrich students’ academic careers and strengthen their global awareness and responsibility,” said Elizabeth Strong, Director of Education Abroad. “Through the Fellows Program, we aim to empower faculty to develop programs that have a lasting impact on students’ education and personal growth.”

The inaugural year of the Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program marks an important step in advancing Missouri State University’s commitment to global learning and cultural engagement. As the first cohort, these Fellows will help establish a strong foundation for the program and expand opportunities for students to learn abroad.

Please join us in congratulating our inaugural Fellows and following their work as they develop new global learning opportunities for Missouri State students!