As a former international student, Ravi Ammigan knows firsthand that international education is far more than programs like study abroad and research collaborations. It has the power to connect people, create opportunities and strengthen communities.

Ammigan, an international education scholar, has also used it to position the University of Delaware and the entire state as globally connected hubs and welcoming destinations for international students, scholars, families, businesses and partners.

“Higher education can serve as a bridge between a state and the broader world — creating opportunities that benefit students and institutions while strengthening Delaware’s cultural, educational, and international connections,” said Ammigan, vice provost for global engagement at UD.

In recognition of Ammigan’s work to bring this vision to life, Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer recently presented him with the state’s Certificate of Honor. The certificate recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their professions, uplifted their communities and served as role models across the state. The award highlights individuals who help others succeed while fostering positive awareness, opportunity and engagement throughout Delaware.

“Receiving this accolade from Governor Meyer is a tremendous privilege,” Ammigan said. “I am grateful to the State of Delaware and to the many colleagues, students and partners who have been part of this journey.”

Ammigan has played a central role in positioning UD as a leader in global learning, international partnerships and student support, said Interim Provost William Farquhar.

“Ravi’s leadership has elevated our global footprint and deeply enriched the experience for all Blue Hens,” Farquhar said. “His work has helped strengthen the university’s international partnerships, enhance services for international students and scholars, and integrate global perspectives across teaching, research and community engagement.” 

Ammigan has worked closely with state leaders and partners to develop strategies that bring Delaware to the world and bring the world to Delaware — creating opportunities for international collaboration, cultural exchange, workforce development.

He has supported the State of Delaware’s international trade missions and global outreach, including engagements with sister cities and states such as Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, and the State of Gujarat, India. Through these efforts, he has helped build relationships among government, higher education, business and community leaders and identify opportunities for Delaware to expand its international partnerships and presence.

The governor praised the vital relationship between higher education and international diplomacy in his remarks at the awards ceremony last week.

“Dr. Ammigan’s collaborative spirit and vision have significantly bolstered Delaware’s outreach on the world stage,” Meyer said. “His efforts ensure that our state remains a welcoming hub for international trade, cultural exchange and educational partnership.”

Additionally, Ammigan has worked to bridge Delaware’s local diaspora communities with UD’s international community. By creating opportunities for Delaware-based communities with ties around the world to connect with international students, scholars, families and visitors, he has helped foster greater cultural understanding and build bridges between Delaware and communities across the globe.

His partnership with the State also extends to programs and initiatives both locally and overseas. These collaborations have included orientation and welcome programs, alumni and community events, cultural engagement activities, and other initiatives such as the U.S. Department of State’s Mandela Washington Fellowship program, designed to deepen relationships between Delaware and the university’s global community.

As the senior international officer at the University, Ammigan leads the Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS), oversees the UD-International initiative and advances UD’s comprehensive internationalization strategy.

About the Center for Global Programs and Services

The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the University of Delaware is home to the operations of UD Global, which includes Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, World Scholars Program and Global Outreach and Partnerships. The Center provides leadership and collaborative innovation in support of all of the University's global initiatives and campus internationalization efforts, with its Global 360 Strategy serving as a roadmap for infusing international perspectives throughout the University’s scholarship, research, and service missions. Focused on a student-centered approach, CGPS provides expert advising and a wealth of global engagement opportunities to the UD campus community, including the weekly International Coffee Hour in the fall and spring semesters.

Follow and engage with @UDGlobal on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates on everything global happening at UD.