The Award for Presidential Leadership in Internationalization serves as an important recognition of the pivotal role college and university presidents (and their equivalent titles in other countries) play in advancing global engagement within higher education across the world. By highlighting exceptional leaders in this field, the award encourages other leaders (and their institutions) to prioritize comprehensive internationalization and invest in its implementation. Additionally, the award fosters a sense of community and collaboration among presidents, enabling the sharing of best practices and the dissemination of innovative strategies for cultivating globally oriented campuses. By acknowledging university presidents who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to this mission, the award aims to inspire and motivate other leaders in the field, ultimately contributing to the development of globally engaged and culturally competent institutions and society.
The Award for Presidential Leadership in Internationalization seeks to honor presidents of higher education institutions who have championed this mission, recognizing their exceptional success in promoting global engagement within their institutions.
This award was developed by the Presidential Ambassadors Council – a group of current and former presidents of higher education institutions who have championed global engagement throughout their careers. The inaugural award was given at the 2024 AIEA Annual Conference.
Pictured (L-R): Presidential Leadership Award Recipient Representative, San Diego State University Provost Bill Tong and Presidential Ambassadors Council Chair, Carolyn Stefanco
Criteria and Nomination Process
Recipients will have demonstrated significant achievements in comprehensive internationalization, which comprises various dimensions, including curriculum, faculty and staff development, research, campus culture, partnerships and collaborations, and student mobility. Recipients of the award are expected to have demonstrated exemplary leadership in several of these dimensions, showcasing their commitment to advancing comprehensive internationalization within their institutions.
Their efforts should have resulted in tangible outcomes and significant progress towards fostering global engagement within the institution. Examples of demonstrated leadership include, but are not limited to, the development and implementation of internationalization strategic plans, the establishment of robust international partnerships, the expansion of study abroad and exchange programs, the integration of global perspectives into the curriculum, and the promotion of cross-cultural understanding on campus.
In addition to fulfilling the criteria outlined in comprehensive internationalization, award recipients are also expected to embody a sense of global-mindedness and mentorship for those leading internationalization at the institution. This entails a deep commitment to fostering an internationalized campus culture, a dedication to promoting intercultural competence among faculty, staff, and students, and an ongoing engagement in global networks and professional development opportunities. Award recipients should exemplify the values and qualities necessary for effective leadership in the context of comprehensive internationalization and support others in navigating the contexts of the institution to promote global learning. The President’s institution must demonstrate a strong commitment to internationalization by including internationalization or global education in its vision, mission, or strategic plan.
Additionally:
The recipient must be the president of a higher education institution at the time of the next AIEA Annual Conference
The president’s institution must have at least one AIEA member at time of nomination
The president must be a member of AIEA at the time the award is given, and must be present to accept the award at the AIEA Annual Conference
Nominations are welcomed from university/college/HEI presidents, international education leaders at their universities, or other university leaders with knowledge of the president’s impact on comprehensive internationalization.
The nomination process comprises two distinct stages. The initial phase involves expressing the intent to nominate a candidate. Following careful consideration, nominators of selected finalists will receive an invitation to provide comprehensive nomination materials. Stage One – Intent to Nominate: October 1 Deadline Nominators should submit the following information to AIEA:
Nominee's Full Name
Nominee's Email
Nominee's Position
Nominee's Institution
Link to Nominee's Bio
Stage Two: Finalists: November 1 Deadline The award selection committee will invite nominators of finalists to submit the following information to AIEA. Finalists may be invited from the current year or past nominees:
Candidate’s current curriculum vitae
A letter of nomination detailing how the candidate meets the criteria for this award
Any other documents supporting the application that could be helpful to understand the contribution made by the candidate
