Education Abroad Program Director Recognition Program

The Office of Education Abroad is proud to introduce a new recognition program honoring the dedication and impact of Missouri State University Education Abroad Program Directors. Education Abroad Program Directors work diligently to design enriching international programs, recruit and engage students, and create transformative experiences that broaden cultural awareness and prepare students to become leaders in a global society. Their efforts not only enhance academic learning but also foster personal growth and cross-cultural understanding. To celebrate their commitment and contributions, Education Abroad will recognize program directors at five-year increments of leading education abroad programs, highlighting their ongoing role in shaping globally minded graduates.

Program Structure

Recognize faculty at 5-program increments (5, 10, 15, 20 programs, etc.) for their commitment to leading education abroad programs. Each milestone includes specific recognition tied to it, based on the number of programs led.

Recognition Categories

5-Program Milestone

  • Certificate of Appreciation: A beautifully designed certificate framed on quality paper.
  • Public Acknowledgment: A formal acknowledgment during the spring All Faculty Recognition Reception.
  • Public Recognition in Press Release/Social Media: A press release and social media shoutout celebrating the faculty’s achievements, and perhaps their global impact.
  • Feature on Education Abroad Website: Education Abroad’s website would feature a digital faculty recognition “wall” to celebrate faculty for their service milestones.
  • Feature in the Inside Missouri State Newsletter: A short profile or interview, showcasing their accomplishments and sharing their insights on education abroad programs.

10-Program Milestone

  • All of the above plus:
    • Professional Development Credit: A $500 stipend/support for a conference or training related to global education, education abroad, or cultural competence.

15-Program Milestone (Distinguished Leadership Recognition)

  • All of the above plus:
    • Recognition Award Ceremony: A small but formal ceremony or lunch (within budget) with colleagues where the faculty are honored, and their contributions are shared.
    • Larger Professional Development Credit of $1,000.

20-Program and Beyond Milestones (Lifetime Achievement in Global Education)

  • All of the above plus:
    • Lifetime Achievement Award: An engraved award, signifying their long-term dedication and their legacy in global education.

Recipients

5 programs

  • Cara Smith
  • Christine Sudbrock
  • Leslie Seawright
  • Letitia White
  • Lisa Proctor
  • Michael Burton
  • Mitzi Kirkland-Ives
  • Roberta Aram
  • Bethany Walker
  • Daniel Beckman
  • Gwen Walstrand
  • Hugh Gibson
  • Kelly Schlinder
  • Patrick Gartin
  • Robert Pavlowsky
  • Roger Dowdy
  • Sarah Marie Land
  • Steve Willis
  • Linnea Iantria
  • Luis Lombilla
  • Matthew McKay
  • Michelle Hulett
  • Ruth Barnes
  • Ana Estrella
  • Jason Shepard
  • Colette Witkowski
  • Courtney Pham

10 programs

  • Charles Hermans
  • David Mitchell
  • James Kaatz
  • Andrea Land
  • Kent Ragan

15 programs

  • Marciann Patton

20 programs

  • Amy Muchnick
  • Carmen Boyd