Role of the Associate Vice Provost for International Education
The role of Associate Vice Provost for International Education is a new one for UMBC as of 2017. The impetus behind the creation of this position is a desire to facilitate even deeper engagement of UMBC’s students and faculty with partners around the world, while also further elevating the University’s international visibility and reputation. This search for the inaugural Associate Vice Provost for International Education is evidence of the University’s commitment to these priorities and of its aspirations for the future.
The Associate Vice Provost position is an expansion and elevation of the role previously known as Director of the Office of International Education Services (IES). The most recent Director of the IES, Dr. Arlene Wergin, retired in 2016 after more than two decades of service to UMBC. The inaugural Associate Vice Provost will oversee the existing IES but will be given additional university-wide scope and responsibilities as well, precipitating the change in title to Associate Vice Provost.
The initial priority for the new Associate Vice Provost will be assessing and leading IES. The office currently comprises five dedicated and hardworking staff members. IES provides activities, services, and advising for study abroad students, international students, and international faculty, researchers, and scholars. In addition, the IES staff advises departmental faculty, chairs, center directors and deans on the hiring process for international research scholars and faculty, and arranges for J-1 Exchange Visitor visas, H-1B petitions, and Permanent Residency applications when appropriate. As the head of the IES, the Associate Vice Provost will oversee all of these operations at the highest level, represent the university to governmental agencies as appropriate, and ensure that the University remains in compliance with federal laws and regulations.
The other critical responsibility of the Associate Vice Provost will be to reach beyond the IES to facilitate and catalyze international engagement across the university as a whole. In these wide-ranging efforts, the Associate Vice Provost will work closely with Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Antonio Moreira, to whom this position reports. Dr. Moreira has a deep commitment to international education and currently leads the University’s global initiatives, including negotiating dozens of partnerships between UMBC and institutions around the world. Dr. Moreira has been honored by the President of Portugal with the title of Commander of the Order of Public Instruction, the National Order of Civil Merit of Public Education, and has been appointed by him as an Advisor of Portugal in the World. Dr. Moreira will be a key partner for the new Associate Vice Provost, and will welcome the opportunity to collaborate on university-wide initiatives with this new hire.
Challenges and Opportunities
The inaugural Associate Vice Provost for International Education will arrive at an exciting moment as UMBC celebrates its 50th anniversary and implements a new strategic plan. The Associate Vice Provost will therefore be well-positioned to embrace the following challenges and opportunities:
- Developing and implementing a strategic vision for the Office of International Education Services which aligns with the larger university strategic plan: The Associate Vice Provost for International Education will work collaboratively with staff, faculty, and students to develop a strategic vision for the Office of International Education that aligns with the aims of the university’s recent strategic plan. Building upon this solid foundation, the Associate Vice Provost will then work closely with the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs to begin developing a set of university-wide strategic priorities for the future of global engagement at UMBC, extending well beyond IES.
- Leading the development of an array of innovative international experiences for students: Working closely with the staff of IES and faculty across UMBC, the new Associate Vice Provost will facilitate expansion of student opportunities for study abroad and offer meaningful and transformational cross-cultural experiences. This includes increasing the overall number of students who take advantage of study abroad opportunities, and identifying means for financial aid and scholarships.
- Serving as a catalyst for internationalization of the University’s academic programs and its intellectual life: By energizing the faculty around ways in which international initiatives and globalization might inform, reflect, enhance, support, or extend the university’s existing curriculum and programs, the Associate Vice Provost will have the opportunity to engage deeply and broadly in the intellectual life of the university. By helping faculty design programs, facilitate research, and bring their ideas to life, The Associate Vice Provost will serve as a resource and advocate for the faculty’s aspirations.
- Attracting and advocating for additional resources to support international endeavors: As a strong advocate for international education, the Associate Vice Provost will support efforts to seek external funds for innovative program development by presenting a compelling and eloquent case for gifts and other forms of support, including grant funding. S/he will also aid the faculty in applying for, and securing Fulbright Scholar grants.
- Raising the visibility and profile of the Office of International Education Services: As a passionate advocate for the Office of International Education Services, the Associate Vice Provost will secure resources for and increase the visibility of IES, while continually striving to improve the service and support that the office provides.
- Mentoring and leading the Office of International Education Services staff: The Associate Vice Provost will have the unique opportunity to assess the current priorities and services of the IES, and to reorganize and reprioritize as needed. The staff of IES is talented and hard-working, and welcomes the opportunity to renew the Office’s strategic mission. The staff will look to the Associate Vice Provost for leadership, advocacy, and support in pursuing professional development opportunities.
- Further enriching and enhancing UMBC’s international partnerships and connections: UMBC is deeply committed to increasing its international partnerships as well as other forms of global engagement. The new Associate Vice Provost will have the opportunity, working closely with the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, to develop a wide range of programs and initiatives which will broaden global research and education opportunities for UMBC’s students and faculty.
Desired Qualities and Qualifications
The Associate Vice Provost for International Education will be an innovative, entrepreneurial, and experienced leader. In addition to holding U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, the ideal candidate will have significant management experience in international education within higher education or an international organization. A Master’s degree is required; a Ph.D. would be preferred. In addition, s/he will possess the following qualities and qualifications:
- Experience overseeing a traditional study abroad program, as well as the ability to see UMBC’s strategic possibilities well beyond study abroad
- A proven track record of leading an organization through a time of transformation, including the development of a shared vision, and experience in strategic planning
- Strong organizational and program management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and demands
- A broad, strategic view of the best practices within, and the future direction of, global education and international engagement
- A history of successfully building productive and mutually beneficial relationships with a wide range of constituencies at every level of a university
- An entrepreneurial spirit, and successful history in approaching individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies for external funding
- Experience in assessment and evaluation of programs in order to increase international student and faculty diversity
- Familiarity with J-1 Exchange Visitor visas, H-1B petitions, and Permanent Residency applications
- Significant personal experience living, studying, researching, and/or working in another country
- An energetic and engaging personality with excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; and
- A genuine commitment to, and excitement about the future of international education that inspires others to engage and work collaboratively toward shared strategic goals.