UFIC at AIEA 2026: Leadership, Partnership, and a Shared Commitment to Global Engagement

Last week, colleagues from the University of Florida International Center (UFIC) traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual conference of the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA). The gathering brought together senior international officers and global engagement leaders from across the country and around the world to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and advance the field of international education.

Representing UF were Dr. Marta L. Wayne, Dean and Associate Provost of the International Center; Dr. Paloma Rodriguez, Director of the Office of Global Learning; and Dr. Michael Kung, Director of the Office of Global Research Engagement. Together, they showcased UF’s leadership in global strategy, staff engagement, and international research collaboration.

Sharing Expertise on the National Stage

Dr. Wayne contributed to several high-impact sessions. She served as a panelist for “You Are Still Welcome Here! Strengthening the International Graduate Talent Pipeline,” where she joined colleagues from institutions and organizations including IDP Education, USF, UMass Amherst, and VCU to discuss strategies for sustaining and growing international graduate enrollment in a changing global landscape.

She also participated in another panel,  “The Mentoring Dynamic: Flexibility, Communication, and Growth,” alongside her fellow 2024 AIEA Presidential Awardees; and co-facilitated a roundtable, “Professional Flourishing for SIOs in a Volatile World: Your Own Oxygen Mask First,” with a colleague from UT Austin. In addition, Dr. Wayne hosted a delegation of international educators from Ireland, attended a reception at the Royal Thai Embassy, and met with representatives from the Mexican Embassy—further reinforcing UF’s global relationships at the diplomatic level.

Advancing Global Learning and Staff Engagement

Dr. Rodriguez highlighted UF’s innovative approaches to internationalization through her participation as a panelist in “Broadening the Base: Innovative Approaches to Engage Staff in Internationalization,” alongside partners from ISEP.

She also joined a focus group discussion connected to AAC&U Global Learning research, engaging in dialogue about innovative global education initiatives and virtual exchange. Throughout the conference, she met with national leaders to advance ongoing collaborations and spotlighted UF’s partnerships with UNESP in Brazil, as well as upcoming COIL for Staff training with UNAM in Mexico.

Her presence underscored UF’s commitment not only to student mobility, but to embedding global learning throughout the institution—empowering staff as key contributors to internationalization.

To learn about COIL for Staff and current program, visit the UF Office of Global Learning

Strengthening Global Research and Collaboration Ties

Dr. Kung engaged in sessions focused on global research engagement and international education leadership. While in Washington, he also leveraged the opportunity to strengthen international partnerships through conversations at the Embassies of Mexico and New Zealand, as well as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO).

He also continued conversations with strategic partners at universities domestic and international with whom he has already built research relationships for the UF.

These engagements reflect UFIC’s integrated approach—aligning academic collaboration, research diplomacy, and strategic global outreach.

For more information on UF global partnerships, visit UF Office for Global Research Engagement