Aiming Big and Putting Students First Podcast
08/04/25

Episode 10: Double Your Impact Without Doubling Your Workload

with JILL BLONDIN (Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Virginia Commonwealth University)

 

Uncertainty on the global stage doesn’t have to stall study abroad or international student programs. Jill Blondin, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University, shares her leadership approach to keeping doors open, even amid shifting politics and compliance challenges. In this episode, Jill discusses how VCU is working to double international student enrollment through bold strategy, data-informed decisions, and programs that put students...

Patrick Reakes Appointed Interim Dean of UF Libraries
08/04/25

Source: Communication.uflib.ufl.edu

Effective July 21, Patrick Reakes will serve as interim dean of the George A. Smathers Libraries following the retirement of Judy Russell, who served as the first Dean of University Libraries for 18 years.

“Judy left a really strong tradition of having high-quality Libraries for UF, and I want to make sure we keep moving forward with that legacy. The flagship university should have flagship libraries,” said Reakes.

Reakes has been senior associate dean of scholarly resources and services since...

‘Man versus machine’ up for debate at the International Internship Conference
08/04/25

Source: The Pie

By Maureen Manning

The 2025 International Internship Conference (IIC), recently held in Minneapolis brought together global leaders in higher education, industry, and government to explore the intersection between technology and international experiential learning.

Attendees from across the globe gathered to engage in sessions that ranged from employer site visits to focused panels and social receptions. Delegates included international internship providers, faculty, government...

A first Attempt: UF in Italy-Automotive Industries to Urban Planning
08/04/25

On June 1, 2025, in Parma, Italy, 20 University of Florida Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering students and an ESSIE faculty member and an ESSIE administrator all arrived and settled into their accommodations in the city center to begin their exciting exploration of UF in Italy- Automotive Industries to Urban Planning. The month-long program incorporated a two-week transportation course taught by UF ESSIE’s Dr. Lily Elefteriadou and a 4-week project course led by UF ESSIE’s Ms. Nancy McIlrath.   On June 2, a holiday in Parma, the group was given an orientation about the program, the city and the culture.  They then took a walking tour of the city and had their first Italian style...

Psychologists introduce third path to a ‘good life’ — one full of curiosity and challenge
08/04/25

Source: UF News

By Karen Dooley

 

New research suggests that psychological richness — a life of perspective-changing experiences — may matter just as much as happiness or meaning.

 

For centuries, scholars and scientists have defined the “good life” in one of two ways: a life that is rooted in happiness, characterized by positive emotions, or one that is centered on meaning, guided by purpose and personal fulfillment. But what if there is another, equally valuable path — one that prioritizes challenge, change and curiosity? 

This third dimension, which may result in a...

Dean of Jeonbuk National U. Graduate School in Korea Visits UF

 

Dr. Seong-Min Kim, Dean of the Graduate School at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) in Korea, visited the UF International Center to discuss potential academic collaborations and graduate-level exchange programs.

Dr. Kim, also a professor in Bioindustrial Machinery Engineering, emphasized JBNU’s focus on agricultural research and expressed interest in strengthening ties between the two institutions. He was welcomed by Dr. Michael Kung and host faculty member Dr. Won Suk (Daniel) Lee.

Get to Know Us! - Taylor Bryla
07/21/25

Taylor Bryla is the Coordinator of International Scholars Program (ISP), one of the Office of Global Learning’s signature student engagement initiatives. 

Taylor was raised right here in Gainesville, but her education and appetite for international experiences took her on a journey far and wide before she settled back down in her hometown. “Even back then, I feel like I was dying to see something new.” Taylor attended FSU, a “very controversial” choice to make when you come from a family of UF grads in Gainesville. She studied International Affairs and Spanish, received her TEFL certification, and had an amazing time studying abroad in Valencia, Spain.

After undergrad,...

UF Doctoral International Student Wins International Sociology of Sport Award
07/21/25

University of Florida PhD international student William Santana was awarded the 2025 Graduate Paper Award by the International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA) during its annual conference in Seoul, South Korea.

Originally from Brazil, Santana’s research explores cheerleading and Safe Sport policies, focusing on athlete well-being and institutional accountability through a sociological lens. His achievement highlights the global impact of UF’s international student community.

Congratulations, William!

UF Signs A Memorandum of Understanding with KNUST to Advance Collaborative Research in Ghana
07/21/25

Dr. Miles Larmer, Director of the University of Florida’s Center for African Studies, recently traveled to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana, to participate in a signing ceremony for a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. The agreement aims to strengthen research collaboration—particularly on environmental issues and lithium mining in Ghana—as well as lay the groundwork for future faculty exchanges and joint grant applications.

While the official University of Florida signatures will be completed stateside, the ceremony included a symbolic signing for media and institutional purposes. The trip also included a...

UFIC Staff Member Appointed as NAFSA Academy Coach for 2025
07/21/25

Congratulations to Luis Johnson, Director and Responsible Officer for Exchange Visitor Services at the University of Florida, on his appointment as a coach for the 2025 NAFSA Region 7 Academy Class. The Academy for International Education is a prestigious yearlong program that develops future leaders in the field of international education through intensive training and networking.

Originally from Brazil, Luis holds a law degree from PUC-Goiás and a Master of Law (LL.M.) from Loyola University New Orleans. His early legal career in Brazil evolved into a passion for immigration law and international exchange, shaped by his pro bono work on asylum cases in the U.S.

Before...

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