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About the Program

The Big Ten Academic Alliance Staff Development Program is a cohort based eight-month professional development program designed for entry- to mid-level staff to learn about how internationalization works in higher education and how strong global partnerships are built.

The program includes a series of interactive online webinars and special topic sessions. These sessions reflect current global education issues and feature guest speakers such as Big Ten Senior International Officers and representatives from international partner institutions. Participants learn about campus internationalization strategies, share ideas with peers, and explore how their own roles support international efforts at their institutions—all while making powerful connections with colleagues across the Big Ten.

The program concludes with an international field experience. During this component, participants gain hands-on experience with international travel and build upon their knowledge by meeting with partner institutions and organizations abroad.

Participation/Selection: BTAA member Senior International Officers may sponsor a maximum of 2 individuals annually. Participation is decided at the university level, with each university having their own selection and application process. Individuals interested in learning more should contact their Senior International Officer for information.

 

Meet the 2026 Cohort

The BTAA is excited to share the members of our current cohort. 17 participants from 10 Big Ten institutions.

Stephanie Bowers - Purdue University
Senior Program Manager, International Programming & Engagement
Lauren Forsman - Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Program Coordinator, Rutgers Global
Jennifer Gerrard - Northwestern University
Senior Director, Global Engagement and Intercultural Initiatives
Moira Haehl - Purdue University
Assistant Director, International Scholar Services
Molly Hoffman - University of Minnesota
Associate Director of Scholar Advising International Student and Scholar Services
Kathryn Klokker - Indiana University
Director, Export Control, Research Security Office
Samantha McCabe - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Director, International Student Services
Elizabeth Murray - Northwestern University
Business Manager, Department of French and Italian; Department of German; and Department of Slavic Languages and Literature
Cassidy Nelson - University of Minnesota
Learning Abroad Advisor, Learning Abroad Center
Brandon Paulson - University of Iowa
Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Sarah Phillips - Penn State
Global Safety Analyst, Penn State Global
Carmen Pitz - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Assistant Director for Study Abroad Advising
Claudia Prieto - Penn State
Academic Program Coordinator, Education Abroad
Justin Rabineau - Michigan State University
Program Manager, Alliance for African Partnership
Alaina Short - Michigan State University
International Student Advisor, Office for International Students and Scholars
Kiran Szekeres
Kiran Szekeres - University of Michigan
Director of Student Development and Programs in Global Public Health
Headshot of Naira Tumanyan
Naira Tumanyan - University of Michigan
Program Manager for Faculty Development & Global Engagement, School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Headshot of Krista McCallum Beatty
Program Co-Leader: Krista McCallum Beatty
Director - Office for International Students and Scholars, Michigan State University
Kim Rapp
Program Co-Leader: Kim Rapp
Assistant Vice President for International Relations, Northwestern University

Testimonials from Previous Participants

Previous Cohorts