Sherif Barsoum has been in the field of international education for more than 32 years. He is the Senior Associate Vice President for Global Services at New York University. Previously, he served as the Director of International Student and Scholar Services at Vanderbilt University for 8 years and spent 13 years as an assistant director at the International Office at Ohio State University. He is an Adjunct Faculty at the Steinhardt International Education Program in the College of Education at NYU, teaching master's students. Originally from Cairo, Egypt, he received his BA in political science and master’s degree in higher education administration from the Ohio State University. He completed coursework in the Ed.D. program at the University of Alabama (ABD). Barsoum regularly conducts training in intercultural programming and is engaged in public policy work on immigration. He has served on the NAFSA, CEA, Diversity Abroad, One to World, Flywire, and AIEA boards. He is a passionate advocate for study abroad and international exchange, leading groups of students on short-term programs to Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Statement of Interest AIEA has become my home for professional development. I have served on the board before and enjoyed the high-level thinking and the dedication of the team and secretariat. My strength is connecting and collaborating with various constituencies. Having a broad view of all aspects of international education for the past 32 years allows me to think strategically and foster leadership in the next generations of leaders. I enjoy building a welcoming environment where professionals can build a strong community and advocate for international education leadership.
Jill Blondin Candidate for AIEA President-Elect
Jill Blondin received her B.A. from Indiana University, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She serves as Vice Provost for Global Initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University. A 2021-2022 AIEA Presidential Fellow, Blondin is Chair of AIEA's Member Outreach and Awards Committee. In 2023, she was named one of the PIE 50 Top Voices in North America, and IIE honored her as the Senior International Officer of the Year.
Statement of Interest I have been actively involved in AIEA for more than ten years and am eager to contribute to its future success and the success of its members. AIEA has been important to my career and I have seen first-hand its significance in higher education. I believe that I have the leadership skills, the entrepreneurial mindset, and strategic thinking that would allow me to lead AIEA effectively and successfully. I am a positive, dedicated, and enthusiastic leader who welcomes the opportunity to guide an organization of my peers, especially during this dynamic time.
I have served on AIEA’s board since 2023, first as Chair-Elect of the Member Outreach and Awards Committee, and recently as the Chair of AIEA’s Member Outreach and Awards Committee. I have served on the conference committee; delivered conference presentations; participated in town halls, webinars, and other member events; received two grants for Thematic Forums; was selected to be an AIEA Presidential Fellow; served twice as a mentor for AIEA Presidential Fellows; and participated in the first cohort of Peer Learning Circles in 2020 (which was such a beneficial experience that my group of peers still meets monthly).
My commitment to AIEA has been unwavering, and it has positively impacted my career. Membership in AIEA has also helped me to lead global initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University. I welcome the opportunity to lead an organization that has given so much to me and others.
Nick Gozik Candidate for AIEA Professional Development and Engagement Committee Chair-Elect
Nick J. Gozik is Dean of Global Education and Assistant Professor at Elon University. He has held leadership roles in international education at Boston College, Duke University, New York University, and the University of Richmond. A scholar-practitioner, he has published widely on global learning, outcomes assessment, and inclusive excellence, co-editing two books on education abroad. He has also served as Chair of The Forum on Education Abroad’s Forum Council and Editor of NAFSA's Global Studies Literature Review. Statement of Interest I am honored to apply for the position of Chair Elect of the Professional Development & Engagement Committee, having served as Vice Chair of the PD&E Committee, as well as a Chair of the Town Hall subcommittee, over the past year. These roles have provided valuable insight into the committee’s operations and strengthened my belief in the central role of professional development in advancing our field.
My leadership within AIEA extends beyond these positions. I have twice served as a Presidential Fellow mentor and contributed as a member of the Publications and Resources Committees, the national conference committee, and a task force on professional development. I authored an AIEA Issue Brief and contributed to the development of the association’s most recent strategic plan.
My twenty-five-year career, including thirteen years as a senior international officer, has been dedicated to advancing global education at institutions such as Elon University, Boston College, New York University, the University of Richmond, and Duke University. I have served as a thought leader through publications, conference presentations, teaching, and board service. Notably, I was elected Chair of The Forum on Education Abroad’s Forum Council, the organization’s highest elected position.
I am excited about the direction of AIEA under its current leadership and vision. Serving as Chair Elect would allow me to build on the committee’s strong foundation, help shape opportunities that meet the evolving needs of our members, and ensure that AIEA remains a vital space for professional growth and collaboration.
Philipp Reichert Candidate for AIEA Professional Development and Engagement Committee Chair-Elect
Dr. Philipp Reichert is Director of Global Engagement at UBC Okanagan and Senior Advisor for Learning and Development with the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). With extensive experience across leadership, policy, advising, program design, and governance, he is actively involved with AIEA, CBIE, and NAFSA as a board member, presenter, and facilitator. Philipp holds a Master’s in International Relations from Leiden University, a Doctorate from the University of Calgary, and an RCIC designation in Canadian immigration law. Statement of Interest I am honored to express my interest in serving as Chair-Elect of AIEA’s Professional Development and Engagement Committee. AIEA has been central to my professional growth, and I am eager to give back by advancing innovative, high-quality programs that support members in navigating the evolving landscape of international education.
My leadership spans institutional, national, and international contexts. As Director, Global Engagement at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, I oversee international partnerships, mobility, IRCC (immigration) policy advising, intercultural programming and student support while serving on the UBC Board of Governors. Nationally, I have worked extensively with the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) as Senior Advisor for Learning and Development, where I served as SME in creating and implementing the International Students and Immigration Education Program (ISIEP), the first and only national certification program of its kind. I also co-chaired CBIE’s Immigration Advisory Committee during COVID-19, helping institutions navigate unprecedented disruptions and complex policy changes.
Within AIEA, I have contributed to multiple committees, was honored to be selected as a Presidential Fellow in 2022/23, and currently serve as co-chair of the newly created Strategic Services Task Force and Chair of the Audit Committee. These experiences have reinforced my ability to align member needs with professional programming and to lead collaboratively. As a non-U.S. representative, I will bring a global perspective to this role. AIEA has an opportunity to broaden membership and partnerships worldwide, while maintaining the excellent professional development programs that serve our U.S. colleagues. As Chair-Elect, I would work to ensure our offerings remain globally relevant, inclusive, and responsive.
Mirka Martel Candidate for AIEA Publications and Resources Committee Chair-Elect
Mirka Martel is IIE’s Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning (REL) and a recognized researcher and author on international education issues spanning global academic mobility, international leadership and scholarship, and impact and evaluation. Dr. Martel has been at IIE for over ten years and oversees two key resources international education practitioners use to map academic mobility flows in the United States and worldwide – the historic Open Doors report on international educational exchange and the Project Atlas research initiative on global student mobility.
Statement of Interest I have truly enjoyed my time on the Publications and Resources Committee over the last three years, as I believe it has strengthened the products we create as part of AIEA and has also amplified original research to the AIEA community. I am committed to the Committee because I believe it serves as a valuable resource to AIEA and its members on topics crucial to the international education field and enhances the work of our members.
Throughout my time on the Committee, I have supported both Chairs in their priorities to gather more submissions for publications and to support writers in their processes. In my oversight of the Occasional Papers series, I created a clear timeline for submission and the writing process, culminating in peer review and finalizing paper publication and dissemination.
Along with the other Committee members, I am particularly proud that this year we supported the Chair in reducing and centralizing the products we have available, which has resulted in a more streamlined publications schedule and areas of interest. We have also been able to align our publications to strategic areas of AIEA priority in a way that was not as aligned in previous years. Finally, we were able to sunset products that got less interest and really focus in on areas of importance.
I want to continue in this work further, as I believe that we could clarify our writing timelines and peer review schedules, align publications to key strategic priorities, and amplify dissemination tools. I would also like to explore with the Secretariat areas of further synergy with other organizations or groups on joint publications or series. Finally, it would be beneficial to dedicate some time to ensuring that our publications reach the intended audiences and that we also strive for amplification beyond AIEA membership.
Jennifer Evanuik Candidate for At-Large Board Member
Jennifer Evanuik is Senior Director of International Initiatives and Deputy SIO at Georgia State University. In her role, she exercises leadership over strategic initiatives, study abroad, and international partnerships. Actively involved in AIEA, NAFSA, and Forum on Education Abroad, she is immediate past-Chair of NAFSA’s International Education Leadership KC. In 2014, she received the Fulbright International Education Administrator Award in Korea. Jennifer holds a B.S. French from Penn State and an M.Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh.
Statement of Interest I am pleased to self-nominate for an At-large Board Member role. I have been a member of AIEA since 2017 and it has had a profound impact on my professional development, especially the 2022 Academy for New SIOs. I value the resources and network that I have accessed through AIEA - particularly during these recent turbulent years. I feel an obligation to serve the association and help it meet its strategic goals and mission. I also appreciate the opportunity to represent the association and be a conduit between its membership and executive leadership.
I am ending my three-year service in the Chair Stream of NAFSA’s International Education Leadership Knowledge Community. This role allowed me to address issues relevant to SIOs, create spaces for dialogue among peers, and advocate for resources that help SIOs do their jobs. I managed a team of volunteers and created and implemented a work plan in line with NAFSA’s strategic goals. This experience has prepared me for a leadership role with AIEA.
AIEA service:
Rebrand Project Task Force, 2025
Professional Development and Engagement Committee, 2021-2024 (Senior Adviser Program and Thematic Forums subcommittees)
Conference Planning Committee, 2019-2021
AIEA conference presentations:
Becoming an SIO: What You Need to Know (2024)
Leveling Up your Leadership workshop (2023)
Beyond the Echo Chamber: What Thought Leaders are Saying about the Future of International Education (2022)
Navigating the First Years as SIO: Lessons Learned and Useful Resources (2020)
I bring skills in strategic planning, budgeting, relationship-building, and communications. As a member of the Rebrand Project Task Force, I am very excited about the future of AIEA. It would be an honor to serve as an At-large Board Member at this critical time.
Stephen Ferst Candiate for At-Large Board Member Dr. Ferst began his career as a student worker in a study abroad office. Upon graduating, he began by recruiting and later worked as an advisor, manager, overseas resident director, and Director. He currently serves as the SIO at CSI where he is responsible for leading the internationalization of the College. He has spoken at numerous conferences and authored books and articles on developing partnerships, safety and study abroad, and legal issues in the field.
Statement of Interest I wasn’t born with a passion for international affairs nor an insatiable curiosity about the world. It was an influential advisor in college who insisted I spend a semester abroad. The experience, naturally, changed the course of my life. Still, upon returning from that term abroad, I only slowly realized the change that had been set in motion.
Over the subsequent 35 years, I’ve held nearly every role in international education: study abroad program recruiter through advisor, overseas Resident Director, and Director of Study Abroad; international student advisor through PDSO; faculty member; researcher; author; intercultural trainer; mentor; consultant; and senior international officer. Over these 35 years I’ve sought to return to the field what it has given me. The best way I can imagine doing so now is through service to AIEA.
Having served on numerous boards (NAFSA, CCIS, CIEE, ViaTRM), committees, and task forces, I have established my abilities to assist organizations in solving their most pressing immediate needs and maintaining their vision and forward progress. I have helped these organizations and committees through re-brandings, re-focuses, and re-vitalizations. I have helped them solve fiscal issues and reputational concerns. I have guided them through crises.
It is this experience that I would bring as a Board Member-at-Large. As AIEA continues to emerge as an ever-larger footprint and more impactful organization on the field and on the global conversation around international education, I believe my service on the Board would assist the leadership in achieving the next steps forward.
Debra Leahy Candidate for At-Large Board Member
I serve as Associate Provost for Global Affairs and Professor of Global Management at University of New England, where I lead strategic internationalization across UNE’s Maine campuses and Tangier campus. Previously, I served as Associate Vice President for International Engagement at California State Fullerton and Dean of International Engagement at Southern New Hampshire University leading international strategy in NH and sites in Vietnam and Malaysia. My research centers on transnational higher education through glocalization theory.
Statement of Interest On the AIEA Board, I would contribute expertise in transnational higher education at a moment when the association is seeking to expand its global membership and advocacy for additional international educational models. My leadership of overseas campuses, including UNE’s Tangier Campus and SNHU’s programs in Vietnam and Malaysia, has given me first-hand knowledge of cross-border program delivery, accreditation, and student/faculty support. Consulting with overseas institutions on strategy and accreditation has further strengthened my ability to connect quality assurance and institutional strategy across diverse contexts. These perspectives equip me to help AIEA extend its membership and engagement reach beyond the U.S.
I would also contribute to strengthening the practitioner–scholar exchange that is central to AIEA’s mission. My research focuses on transnational higher education as a sustainable, reciprocal model, and I convened AIEA’s 2025 Peer Learning Circle on this theme, facilitating cross-institutional dialogue. By engaging in a second doctorate focused solely on international education, I remain both practitioner and learner, and I would bring this dual perspective to support AIEA’s role as a bridge between research and practice. I would also bring to the Board the perspective of a former Provost who understands how internationalization must be embedded in mission, enrollment, and academic priorities. This experience allows me to situate internationalization as part of wider institutional strategy, ensuring AIEA’s conversations remain grounded in the realities faced by higher education leaders. My goal is to work collaboratively with colleagues to advance AIEA’s global membership and strengthen its collective voice for comprehensive internationalization.
I have valued my service to date with AIEA as I currently serve on the AIEA Public Policy Committee and my second year on the Annual Conference Committee. I also served on the AIEA Strategic Task Force that was convened in 2023. I am eager to contribute more to AIEA and to the field of global education.
Ramesh Neupane Candidate for At-Large Board Member
Ramesh Neupane is the Director of International Programs and Partnerships at Purdue University Northwest, where he drives the university’s internationalization efforts. He has expanded global collaborations, tripled study away programs, and significantly increased student participation in international experiences. With over a decade of expertise in international education, Ramesh is passionate about fostering cross-cultural engagement, developing strategic global partnerships, and preparing students for leadership in an interconnected world. He is an active member of NAFSA, EAIE, APAIE, MAUI and AIEA.
Statement of Interest As Director of International Programs and Partnerships at Purdue University Northwest, I have led comprehensive internationalization initiatives that have transformed global engagement on our campus. Under my leadership, study away programs have tripled, and student participation has significantly increased, expanding access to transformative international experiences for first-generation, underrepresented, and nontraditional students. I have also advanced strategic partnerships worldwide, including joint degree pathways and faculty exchanges, strengthening our institution’s global presence.
My work reflects a deep commitment to AIEA’s mission to shape and elevate international higher education leadership. I bring experience developing and sustaining partnerships across cultural, geographic, and institutional boundaries, aligning internationalization strategies with academic priorities, and advocating for inclusive and ethical global engagement. Currently, I also serve as a member of AIEA’s 2026 Conference Committee, contributing to the development of impactful programming for our global community.
As an at-large board member, I aim to help AIEA lead critical conversations on the future of internationalization—particularly around diversifying participation, integrating global learning across curricula, and fostering equitable collaborations between institutions of varying capacities.
My passion for preparing globally competent leaders and strengthening cross-cultural understanding will guide my contributions to the Board. I am eager to collaborate with fellow leaders to advance AIEA’s vision for a more interconnected and inclusive world.
Douglas Proctor Candidate for At-Large Board Member
Douglas Proctor, PhD was recently appointed as Assistant Vice-President, Global Engagement and Partnerships & Senior International Officer at York University in Toronto, where he leads the development and implementation of the University’s internationalization and global engagement strategy. A Senior Fellow of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), Douglas holds a PhD in international higher education from the University of Melbourne and has longstanding involvement with key international education associations, including AIEA, NAFSA and EAIE.
Statement of Interest As a longstanding AIEA member and a scholar-practitioner in international higher education with SIO leadership experience in Australia, Europe and Canada, I look forward to making a further contribution to AIEA as an At-Large Board Member. International education is increasingly challenged by alternative ideologies in society, and I believe the time is right for innovative thinking about how to support strategic leaders in internationalisation, global engagement and international education.
With significant experience of volunteer leadership in different associations (NAFSA, AIEA, EAIE and Int'l Education Association of Australia), I believe I have the capability and energy to support the AIEA at this time of unprecedented global change in international education.
My experience of other countries and other national systems will bring valuable non-US perspectives on leadership and I look forward to supporting the AIEA in its advocacy, professional development, publications and broader sectoral engagement. Previously, I have served on the AIEA Editorial Committee (2016-18) and was an AIEA Presidential Mentor (2020-21). I have also participated on various AIEA task forces, including Strategic Planning Task Force (2018), Future Leaders Task Force (2021) and the current Rebrand Project Task Force (2025). I look forward to bringing both energy and innovation to the AIEA Board in these challenging times.
Heather Ward Candidate for At-Large Board Member
Heather H. Ward is associate provost for global affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she leads strategic initiatives and operations for UNC Global Affairs. Ward has advanced internationalization and global engagement in previous roles with the American Council on Education, George Mason University, and Mary Baldwin University. She holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies and Spanish Language from Vanderbilt University and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University.
Statement of Interest I would be honored to support the leadership and future direction of AIEA by contributing my time and experience as an at-large member of the AIEA Board of Directors. Since becoming an AIEA member in 2014, I have been involved with the association as a participant and speaker at annual conferences and thematic forums, a member of peer-learning circles, and a keynote speaker for the SIO Academy. I look often to AIEA’s community of internationalization leaders for learning, strategic thinking, best practices, professional development, and even friendship. Having benefited so much over the years, I’d like to do more to support and strengthen the AIEA community and to advance AIEA’s mission of “equipping leaders to shape the future of higher education in a global context”. Changing realities in international higher education bring new urgency to this important mission and call for well-equipped, creative and strategic internationalization leadership.
