Leading Abroad: Professional Growth for Academic Personnel

Friday, March 21, 2025

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM US EST

Location: Provincial South, 2nd floor

Session Leader(s)

Pingchien Neo

Director, International Engineering Programs
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States

Handouts Slides

Presenter(s)

Sophie Spratley (she/her/hers)

Clinical Assistant Professor for Educational Leadership
College of Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Christine Richmond

Senior Lecturer
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States

This session presents findings from a study on the professional impact of leading study abroad programs on academic personnel. It addresses the gap in literature concerning academic personnel development through international programs, exploring how such experiences influence their professional growth, leadership skills, and career development. Discussions will include strategies for involving academic personnel in study abroad leadership, highlighting potential challenges and solutions.

Learning Objectives:

Examine how academic personnel perceive the effects of leading study abroad programs on their professional development.
Identify specific leadership skills that are cultivated through the experience of leading study abroad programs.
Reflect on ways that directing study abroad programs can impact career advancement opportunities for academic personnel.