Category: Spotlight

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Paula Hentz to Depart Stetson

It is with mixed emotions and great admiration for her leadership that I announce that Paula Hentz, Stetson’s Senior International Officer (SIO) and Director of Global Initiatives, will be departing her role on July 9, having accepted a leadership opportunity at another university.

Paula started her higher education career at Stetson 14 years ago and has been responsible for operationalizing the University’s efforts to make intercultural learning vital to the Stetson experience. A consummate professional, Paula has competently and innovatively led Stetson to the world and brought the world to Stetson.

What Paula has collaboratively established to transform our engagement with the broader global community is truly extraordinary! Equally impressive is her work in expanding Stetson’s global learning footprint on almost every continent through the cultivation of international partnerships and diplomacy. Her portfolio runs the gamut from risk assessment and mitigation to federal compliance to policy development.

Under Paula’s leadership of WORLD: the David and Leighan Rinker Center for International Learning, collaborative fundraising to support student and faculty professional development has occurred to the tune of over $8 million. More recently, a collaboration between Stetson and Bethune -Cookman University successfully resulted in a $250,000 CIEE 2024 Global Sustainability Challenge Grant Award to provide scholarships for students from both institutions to study abroad in order to more effectively communicate about global climate change to diverse communities around the world.

During her tenure, support for international students flourished. In fact, international student retention increased from 75% in 2013 to 88% in 2023, approximately 10 percentage points above domestic student retention. WORLD’s support of visiting international scholars also included inviting Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants each year to assist with the teaching of foreign languages such as Portuguese and Arabic.

Since her onboarding in 2012, study abroad participation has increased by 51%, and applications for study abroad scholarships have more than tripled. Then, in 2024, WORLD launched the Florida Lessons from Abroad Conference, a student-led event for both domestic and international students from across the state to present reflections on the impact of studying in a different country. Plus, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Paula’s troubleshooting skillset was particularly instrumental in ensuring study abroad student and faculty safety and in ensuring that international students continued to thrive (92% of international students returned in fall 2020).

In addition, WORLD has held responsibility for the Stetson’s Peace Corps Prep program, a nationally recognized certificate program that prepares students for careers in public service and federal employment through an intentional combination of academic coursework, leadership, volunteerism, intercultural competence and career readiness. 

During Paula’s tenure, WORLD has brought national attention to Stetson through invited academic presentations and peer-reviewed publications, as well as innovative programs such as the Scotland Study Abroad Collaborative with Utah Valley University, Jacksonville University, and the University of the Highlands & Islands in Inverness, Scotland; Global Gateways, where first-year students spend a semester abroad in Dublin, Ireland; the Rinker Global Scholars Program, a sophomore level course where a student cohort is selected in their first semester to receive a competitive scholarship to participate the spring semester of their sophomore year in a four-credit interdisciplinary course that relates to the country where they will travel during Spring Break; and the International Faculty Development Seminar, a faculty study abroad program designed to help instructors learn best practices in developing and leading their own study abroad programs.

Each of these innovations reflects Paula’s deep commitment to inclusion with a strategic focus on ensuring global participation by students, faculty, and in disciplines and at locations where Stetson did not ordinarily engage. 

I will miss her constant creativity, insatiable collaboration, optimism, intelligence, initiative, grace and inclusivity. As such, my respect and esteem for Paula has grown deeper and more substantive throughout the years. 

Paula recently noted the following, “After 14 years at Stetson, this is a bittersweet transition. While I am excited for a new opportunity and the chance to continue growing professionally, I will miss the Stetson community so much. I have loved my time here, primarily because of how many wonderful people I’ve been able to work alongside. This has been an important chapter in both my professional and personal life, and one that I will always remember positively because of the people who made it so special. Moving forward, I know that WORLD will be in great hands … ”

We will soon communicate a transition plan.

In the meantime, please join the Office of Faculty Engagement in extending our best wishes to Paula at [email protected] as she embarks on this exciting next chapter of her career and spreads Stetson excellence elsewhere.

For questions about study abroad, please contact Melanie Smith at [email protected]. For questions related to international students and scholars or immigration policies, please contact Tristan Laner at [email protected]. If you are unsure of whom to contact, start with Liz Lew at [email protected], who will be happy to help direct your message to the appropriate individual at WORLD. General inquiries can also be sent to [email protected].

 Rosalie Richards, Ph.D.

Associate Provost for Faculty Development, Professor of Chemistry and Education, Office of Faculty Engagement

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Florida Lessons from Abroad Conference

By Sara Hassler

April 5th, 2024 marked a new day for study abroad at Stetson University. WORLD: The David and Leighan Center for International Learning, hosted their inaugural state conference here in Deland. Attendees and presenters from all over Florida came together to enjoy the fruits of their labor from their time studying abroad. Neighboring schools like University of North Florida, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, came together to host the Lessons from Abroad Conference.

Shaun O. Smith and pal present at the Florida Lessons from Abroad Conference

The morning began in Lee Chapel with a warm and proud welcome from President Christopher Roellke, led by Provost Skomp sharing her support for the conference and her own mention of leading a study abroad program in her past. The opening ceremony was concluded by Assistant Director of International Learning Programs, Melanie Smith, who joyfully directed the group towards the first presentations in Brown Hall and Sage Hall. Presentations now having begun, the two halls were brimming with stories about traveling abroad, becoming international students, and all the wonders of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to pursue higher education. Presenters stretched from Stetson students to students from the visiting universities giving their take on their lessons from abroad. 

The day was nicely interrupted by a break for lunch in the Stetson Room, where attendees and presenters had a chance to learn how to utilize their study abroad experience in their resumes and ventures into the workforce. Presentations led by University of North Florida and Stetson University aimed at teaching students how to include their experiences abroad in their resumes and how to account for the lessons they encountered while abroad. From missing a bus in Europe to remastering the experience to demonstrate a  student’s critical thinking skills, attendees were provided with worksheets that allowed them to identify learning objectives that matched with their time abroad. 

After lunch, presentations continued and the conference was later concluded with closing remarks in Lee Chapel. That marked the end to the first ever statewide Lessons from Abroad Conference at Stetson University, the beginning of a great tradition that will hopefully be continued for years to come. 

Note: Stetson University pioneered the first university-wide Lessons from Abroad Conference on March 31, 2023. The concept was expanded to a statewide initiative thereafter.

Monique Silva Dias and Elisa Mullisi present “Two Sides of a Study Abroad Story”

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Global is what we do!

On February 15th, the WORLD Center for International Learning rebooted its “Lunch and Learn” faculty information series. Director Paula Hentz gave a presentation to 13 faculty on how to apply for WORLD awards. These awards support work done by faculty to internationalize the campus and curricula, and support individual faculty and teams to explore emerging opportunities in different parts of the world that have broad impact on student and organizational learning.

Faculty participated in discussion with WORLD staff and other faculty who have experience in developing and implementing international experiences into courses and programs. Some other topics covered were:

  • How international research impacts teacher-scholar development
  • How teachers can parlay their research into high-quality learning abroad programs
  • Walking through the proposal process and how WORLD will support them every step of the way

Stetson University is committed to preparing professors and students to be informed, active, and engaged citizens of both local communities and the world. All faculty are encouraged to consider the benefits of internationalizing their courses (Application here). If you’re not sure how to get started, be sure to meet with any member of WORLD staff as they are ready to help you bring the world to your classroom.

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Fifth-Year Peace Corps Prep Program Report

In December 2016, Stetson University entered a five-year agreement with the Peace Corps (PC) for the establishment of a Peace Corps Prep Program. The program is designed to advance the goals of the Peace Corps and Stetson University by combining academic course work with practical field experience and enhancing ongoing international initiatives. Peace Corps Prep advances Stetson University’s mission, goals and strategic values by providing professional development, leadership experience and training, intercultural competence, and academic growth.

Peace-Corps-Prep-at-Stetson-University-Five-Year-Report-2Download
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Faculty-Led Program: Lunch and Learn

WORLD is now accepting proposals for the upcoming AY 2020/2021 Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs.  Each year, WORLD invites faculty from all disciplines at Stetson University to step outside of the DeLand campus and explore the possibilities of teaching abroad. 

Last month, Wendy Viggiano, Program Coordinator for International Learning, hosted a Lunch and Learn webinar on leading faculty-led programs abroad. She covered topics such as program types, student considerations, working collaboratively with WORLD, benefits of working with a study abroad provider, and walked through the proposal process.  You can check out each topic in the short videos provided here as well as on our YouTube channel.  We hope these informative videos will clarify the proposal process and encourage faculty to submit proposals. 

Stetson University has seen an increase in faculty-led programs abroad and we hope to continue that trend next year.  Students are eager to study abroad and we look forward to offering students more programs in a variety of disciplines to meet the demands of our students.  No matter the subject or discipline, WORLD can find the right location abroad for your course.  How can a new place enhance your teaching and the student’s understanding of the topic? Feel you don’t have the time to make all the arrangements and organize all the logistics of the program? Not sure even where to begin?  No worries!  WORLD is here to help you every step of the way.

Start your Faculty-Led Study Abroad Proposal and we will help you take care of the rest!

General Study Abroad Information and Benefits of Faculty Led Programs
Types of Faculty Led Program and Things to Consider
Student Concerns: Cost and Curriculum
Working in Collaboration with WORLD and the Benefits of Providers
Faculty Led Proposal Process and Timeline

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WORLD Students Participate in Global Leadership Summit

by Gabby Cassidy

Over Spring Break 2019, WORLD ambassadors Zoe Weaver and Caylyn Gunby attended the Global Student Leadership Summit in Boston, MA.

This conference, for students who had participated in study abroad and other international programs, had a goal to help them develop skills as successful global leaders. It also focused on students from diverse and underrepresented populations, such as first-generation, racial/ethnic minority, students with disabilities, high financial need, LGBTQ+, etc. Many face obstacles acquiring educational and leadership opportunities.

Throughout the conference, Weaver found herself learning more than she expected from the sessions. She was pushed to see the bigger picture of education abroad.

“I was pushed to see my study abroad as a time that I developed personally and was finally able to articulate the challenges of my trip to those who would understand. Then, after listening to others tell their own stories, I realized that we each had a unique experience that created the larger picture of diversity abroad.”

The connections she made with other students helped her to understand her own experiences and the education she received while studying in South Korea and Taiwan. Weaver also learned about the importance of diversity in study abroad and was inspired to do more here at Stetson. She expressed her desire to connect with the Black Student Association, the Asia Pacific American Coalition, the Caribbean Student Association, and other multicultural organizations to develop more initiatives to get their members involved in study abroad programs.

“Although being a woman brings its own challenges to international travel, I further developed an understanding of my privilege during this conference as an able-bodied, white, American student. Through this understanding, I began to build a standard for myself when it comes to becoming an ally both abroad and domestically to students who lack the opportunity to do the same as I.”

Gunby felt that the conference was a great professional opportunity for her. The panels and speakers had a profound impact and helped her feel confident in her plans post-graduation. The chance to connect with graduate schools and professionals, as well as other students in her same positions, helped her to reflect on her identity and improve her confidence in speaking about her experiences.

“Being able to speak with professionals who are now in International Education, who taught English abroad through JET, Fulbright, and TAPIF made me feel like I was taking the right steps towards a career in International Education or International Affairs.”

Gunby would like to bring more networking opportunities to Stetson’s campus for international careers. Events such as the Global Citizenship Fair and Acerima could benefit from having a keynote speaker or speakers from minority groups.

“The keynote speakers at the conference were inspiring and helped all of the students get involved and excited about the activities.”

Overall, her experiences at the Global Leadership Summit helped her to grow professionally as well as to have more confidence in her abilities and plans for the future.

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Enrollment in Scottish Experience up 37%

Student enrollment peaked during the fourth annual study abroad Scottish Experience, a collaborative of the University of the Highlands Islands Inverness College, Stetson University, Utah Valley University, and Jacksonville University. A total of 33 students participated in courses taughted by faculty from UVU, Jacksonville, and Stetson.

A centerpiece of the study abroad program is an embedded case study component where groups of students act as consultants to Scottish businesses and organizations to address an issue of pressing need.

Students and faculty take a quick break after presenting the outcomes of their case studies to business and organizational leaders.

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Stetson’s Inaugural International Faculty Development Seminar Draws Diverse Disciplines to the Dominican Republic

A total of 10 Stetson University faculty and the WORLD Team descended on Santo Domingo during May 13-18, 2019 to learn how to better prepare students to learn abroad. Faculty hailed from business, education, humanities, social and natural sciences.

The seminar comprised classroom sessions on topics ranging from risk management and internationalization to curriculum integration and course assessment. Field trips to heritage locations and natural landscapes, such as the old colonial sugar mills and Three Eyes National Park, helped faculty consider the role of “place” in course design as well as how to balance high and low intensity learning experiences for students.

Los Tres Ojos (Three Eyes National Park) is a 50-yard open-air limestone cave located in eastern Santo Domingo.

Response to the seminar has been quite positive.

“I feel so fortunate to be part of the journey we were on together. I feel that our relationship went to the next level…The moment we started together and ended pleasantly, it was a lesson in every moment and I am confident that this training will be helpful for all in launching our faculty led programs in future.”

“Yes, echoing my colleagues for a wonderful opportunity and collegiality. Thank you WORLD and thank you everyone who participated 😍”

“Thank you all for such a unique and valuable experience in DR. I would be happy to meet for regular lunches sharing ideas about the next steps in organizing faculty-led study abroad trips. Special thanks to the WORLD. You are a great team of professionals!🤗”

“I’m continually amazed at and proud to be a part of Stetson’s wonderful community.”

More images

About the Stetson International Faculty Development Seminar

The IFDS program at Stetson University honors the longstanding commitment and dedication of Drs. David and Leighan Rinker to international learning. The centerpiece of the faculty development program is an immersive five-day experience where Stetson faculty participate in study abroad. The overarching goals are to equip Stetson teacher-scholars with best practice strategies for how to use location to deepen content, elevate student engagement and intercultural learning, develop safe, compliant and academically-rich study abroad programs, and promote Stetson’s value of global citizenship.

WORLD partnered with CIEE to co-offer the seminar. CIEE is a premier provider with significant expertise developing and implementing international faculty development seminars and study abroad experiences for students,. Contact [email protected] for more information.