Senior International Officers
As one of the core members of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), the Senior International Officers (SIOs) advance comprehensive internationalization through strategic collaboration by sharing policies, data, and best practices; increasing visibility and advocacy of global education; and developing signature projects that establish shared international presence and extend opportunities to students, faculty, and staff.
Initiatives
The International Research Experience Program (IREP) — a partnership between the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the FIGURE Network in France — has placed students enrolled in FIGURE Network "Cursus Master en Ingénierie (CMI)" programs with valuable short-term research opportunities at participating Big Ten member universities.
The Big Ten Academic Alliance Senior International Officers' Staff Development Program on Internationalization is an eight-month opportunity for early-to-mid-career staff to deepen their knowledge about the internationalization of higher education and the international partnerships and global organizations that are a part of this work.
Big Ten Senior International Officers
| University | Name | Title | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois | Colleen Murphy | Interim Associate Chancellor and Vice Provost of Global Affairs and Strategies | Illinois International |
| Indiana University | Jennifer Engel | Interim Associate Vice President for International Affairs | IU Global: Indiana University |
| University of Iowa | Russell Ganim | Associate Provost and Dean of International Programs | International Programs |
| University of Maryland | Ross Lewin | Associate Vice President for International Affairs | Office of International Affairs |
| University of Michigan | Valeria Bertacco | Vice Provost for Engaged Learning | Global Engagement |
| Michigan State University | Titus O. Awokuse | Vice Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs | International Studies and Programs |
| University of Minnesota | Molly Portz | Assistant Vice Provost for International Programs | Global Programs and Strategy Alliance |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Maegan Stevens-Liska | Assistant Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs and Senior International Officer | Global Partnerships and Initiatives |
| Northwestern University | Dévora Grynspan | Vice President for International Relations | Office of International Relations |
| Ohio State University | Kaya Şahin | Vice Provost for Global Strategies and International Affairs | Office of International Affairs |
| University of Oregon | Dennis Galvan | Dean and Vice Provost, Division of Global Engagement | Division of Global Engagement |
| Pennsylvania State University | Sabine Klahr | Vice Provost for Penn State Global | Penn State Global |
| Purdue University | Heidi Arola | Assistant Vice President and Senior International Officer | Global Programs |
| Rutgers University | Eric Garfunkel | Vice President for Global Affairs | Rutgers Global |
| UCLA | Cindy Fan | Vice Provost for International Studies and Global Engagement | UCLA International Institute |
| USC | Anthony Bailey | Vice President for Global and Online Initiatives | USC Global |
| University of Washington | Ahmad Ezzeddine | Vice Provost for Global Affairs | UW Global |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Frances Vavrus | Vice Provost and Dean of the International Division | International Division |
| University of Chicago | Katie Hrinyak | Associate Vice President, Global Initiatives and Strategy | UChicago Global |
Peer Groups
Peer Groups are appointed by the Senior International Officers with designated membership from each campus based on title and/or role. These groups typically meet virtually and in-person to network, conduct benchmarking projects, exchange ideas, and identify best practices. As a peer group, they receive administrative support from the BTAA and are financially supported by the SIOs.
International Marketing & Communications Directors
The International Marketing & Communications Directors meet to exchange approaches and explore strategies for: creating consistent and creative marketing for university global initiatives; presenting university global footprints to local and international partners; and serving as liaisons between university communications and related Global Affairs offices.Study Aboard Directors (STAB)
The Study Aboard Directors (STAB) come together to learn from one another and advance their shared mission to: assist students in pursuing education opportunities globally and domestically; offer credit-bearing study abroad, exchange and academic internship opportunities; and foster global partnerships that aid students abroad.International Student and Scholar Services Directors (ISSS)
The International Student and Scholar Services Directors (ISSS) have the purpose of engaging in peer consulting and community conversations for international students and scholars. Mutual areas of responsibility include advising on immigration compliance, academic and personal adjustment, and cultural integration. The services aim to ensure that international students and scholars have successful academic, professional, and personal experience by assisting with issues like maintaining visa status, finding employment, and navigating life in a new country.BTAA Staff Contacts:
Martha Cooper | Laurel Rosch |
Latest News
Impactful Big Ten Internationalization Staff Development Program Launches 2026 Cohort
February 18, 2026
100% of Program Alumni Credit Experience with Deeper Understanding of their Universities’ Internationalization and Global Engagement Efforts
The Big Ten Academic Alliance has launched its 2026 Professional Development Program on Internationalization, welcoming 17 staff members from 10 member institutions for a six-month learning opportunity that will culminate in a field experience to a new destination: the Emerald Isle.