Lynn Okagaki, deputy provost for academic affairs at the University of Delaware, has announced that a search committee has selected finalists for the position of director of the Institute for Global Studies.

About the finalists

Trevor Nelson is the director of Iowa State University’s Study Abroad Center, where he previously served as a study abroad coordinator and assistant director of international education. In his current role, Nelson leads the vision and compliance efforts for the unit’s study abroad programs, mentors faculty through development of study abroad programs, manages the university’s international memoranda of agreement records and nurtures relationships with campus partners, among other responsibilities. Nelson received his Ed.D. in leadership studies in education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Jeffrey M. Palis is the director of Global Studies and Study Abroad at Lamar University, a member of the Texas State University system. In his current role, Palis manages a portfolio of faculty-led study abroad programs and bilateral exchanges, serves as an advocate for campus internationalization and resource on international education policy and coordinates the university’s Global & International Studies certificate. Palis was hired as the first full-time study abroad and exchange coordinator at Georgia Southern University where he received his doctor of education in curriculum studies.

Irene Shim is a senior adviser to Sangsaeng Namu and the Busan Metropolitan Government in South Korea. Prior to taking on the role of adviser, Shim served as director of Global Programs at Michigan State University’s School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC) where she was responsible for developing relationships for on- and off-campus internationalization efforts, managing educational programs linked to the university-wide global agenda and evaluating and ensuring the school’s international work. Shim is an adjunct professor at SPDC and is working toward her Ph.D. in history and urban studies from Michigan State University.

Meet the candidates

Candidates have been invited to visit the University of Delaware, where they will tour campus, meet with key stakeholders and present at an open public forum. Each forum will take place in the Morris Library’s Class of 1941 Lecture Room from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. with

● Trevor Nelson on Sept. 20;

● Jeffrey M. Palis on Sept. 22; and

● Irene Shim on Sept. 25.

After public presentations have concluded, members of the University community will have the opportunity to submit their feedback online.

About the position

IGS provides leadership and support for programs and experiences that contribute to the education of informed, skilled, open-minded citizens of the world. Perhaps best known for its study abroad program, the office also facilitates collaboration between the University and partner institutions abroad, awards scholarships and grants to faculty and students for a number of global opportunities and administers internationally recognized Department of State sponsored leadership Institutes for visitors from around the globe.

IGS sponsors campuswide events and programs, including an annual Global Month celebration during November and a country celebration each spring, and partners with Enrollment Management to coordinate the first-of-its-kind UD World Scholars program.

“At the helm of IGS operations, the director will play a key role in the continuation of the University’s internationalization efforts,” said Okagaki. “We look forward to seeing how this person will build on the University’s existing strengths in international education and utilize their years of expertise in the field to enhance intercultural learning, expand international programs and prepare our students as global citizens in visionary ways.”

Chairing the search for the director position is Ravi Ammigan, executive director of the Office for International Students and Scholars. Members of the committee include Maria Aristigueta, director of the School of Public Policy and Administration; Jennifer Gregan, senior associate dean for student services at the Lerner College; Ismat Shah, professor of materials science; Mark Seifert, director of Emergency Management; Adam Cantley interim dean of students; Lisa Chieffo, associate director of study abroad; Dan Bottomley, associate director for partnerships and programs; Matthew Drexler, assistant director for international student engagement; and Nikki Laws, IGS communications specialist.