Indiana University has named Jennifer Engel, Ph.D. as its new associate vice president for the Office of Overseas Study, effective July 1. She will provide leadership and a university-wide vision to enhance international awareness and understanding, enrich curricula on every campus, and expand educational opportunities abroad for students from diverse backgrounds.
Engel is taking the helm of an office that has become a nationally recognized leader in overseas study under the forty-year leadership of Kathleen Sideli, who will retire in June. Building on a history of faculty-initiated study abroad programs dating back to the 19th century, it now supervises more than 380 administered, co-sponsored, and unit-based programs across all IU campuses. IU Bloomington is ranked sixth in the nation for total number of students studying abroad and second for semester-long programs, according to the most recent Institute for International Education Open Doors Report.
“I am thrilled to be joining Indiana University in this role and welcome the opportunity to work alongside colleagues to continue to expand education abroad at IU,” said Engel. “I am excited about the opportunities that this position represents and look forward to making significant contributions to the Office and the University.”
Engel currently acts as the vice president for academic affairs and experiential learning at CIS Abroad, providing leadership in the areas of student learning and assessment; curriculum, program, and partnership development; and innovation in international education. She previously served as the Executive Director of International Programs at Loyola University Chicago and the Executive Director of Global Learning at the University of South Carolina.
Engel is passionate about global engagement and has a long history of organizational and institutional service, as well as an impressive list of fellowships and awards. An Endeavour Fellow, Jennifer has also been involved with NAFSA, The Forum on Education Abroad, and the Association of International Education Administrators, holding leadership positions, mentoring new professionals, and presenting nationally and internationally. Engel earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy from the University of South Carolina and previously held administrative and teaching roles at Marygrove College.
“Jennifer is a tremendously accomplished, knowledgeable, and experienced leader in study abroad. I am excited to welcome her to Indiana University and know that she will carry forward the university’s tradition of excellence in international education,” said Hannah Buxbaum, vice president for international affairs.