2022–23 MTSU International Affairs Annual Impact Report

2022–23 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT

A CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONALIZATION AT MTSU

Welcome to the Middle Tennessee State University Office of International Affairs Annual Impact Report.

This is our third annual publication and as such highlights selected accomplishments and statistics from the 2022–23 academic year. Most borders have opened back up, and the Office of International Affairs at MTSU has persevered and thrived in our postpandemic environment.

In the pages that follow, you will see a visual celebration of the international footprint of the campus. In the second year of our new strategic plan, you will see how International Affairs has committed itself to a deeper, broader, and more equitable academic and student life experience. You will see the high impact practices that improve completion, retention, and transfer rates. You will see the work of the Office of International Affairs, which is a critical component of student success. The report reaffirms

the significant international work that MTSU was able to accomplish.

I am extremely proud of the International Affairs team. We have supported students in new and interesting ways. We have welcomed guests from all over the world. We have showcased our beautiful campus and remarkable academics to the world. I am lucky to work with such dedicated and talented individuals.

In closing, we are pleased with what we have accomplished in the past academic year. On behalf of my colleagues in International Affairs, I hope that you will enjoy our annual report and the picture that it paints. We sincerely thank every member of our community (in Murfreesboro, in Tennessee, in the U.S., and throughout the world) for the work described in these pages.

We are True Blue!

Robert Summers

Vice Provost for International Affairs

The mission of the Office of International Affairs (IA) is to provide leadership for the comprehensive internationalization of Middle Tennessee State University by fostering growth and development of our international programs and services.

STRATEGIC GOALS 2021-2026

I. WE WILL EQUIP OUR STUDENTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL ON AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

• Providing all stakeholders access to international experiences

BY:

• Expanding services to support a wide variety of programs, including international internships, noncredit international service, and service learning abroad

• Supporting the recruitment of and programming for our diverse student body

• Introducing faculty workshops to develop new and innovative approaches to internationalizing the curriculum and building global skills

II. WE WILL BE A COMMUNITY LEADER IN INTERNATIONALIZATION

BY:

• Celebrating the importance of internationalism on campus and within the community

• Facilitating programming that supports international competency, inclusion, acceptance, tolerance, and empathy

• Recognizing the international experience and expertise of the MTSU community

III. WE WILL PROVIDE EXCELLENT SERVICE TO ALL

STAKEHOLDERS BY:

• Offering learning opportunities for staff to interact with peers

• Providing resources that will enhance knowledge of, adoption of, and compliance with standards of best practice

IV. WE WILL BE INNOVATIVE AND NIMBLE IN OUR INTERNATIONALIZATION

EFFORTS BY:

• Leveraging our strengths, developing new competencies, and striving for sustainability in our internationalization efforts

• Working to reduce reliance on traditional forms of financial support

CELEBRATING MTSU COMMUNITY’S SUPPORT OF INTERNATIONALIZATION

Coming out of COVID has not been easy for many institutions. Some of the post-pandemic domestic and international challenges that faced MTSU as well as many other American colleges and universities were:

• Decreasing population of college-age students

• Ingrained preconceptions of Western societies’ supremacy and devaluing diversity of international societies

• Cost and living expenses consideration

• Policies and procedures, particularly those related to visa and immigration

Faced with such challenges, many institutions are more inclined than ever to enter into agreements and collaborate with governmental agencies to increase enrollment. MTSU International Affairs, in collaboration with campus partners, was ahead of many in understanding that supporting international education could not be more important. This was possible through:

• A visionary leadership of the University board and executive team

• Unique student support, motivation, and empowerment through scholarships, tutoring, counseling, and many more services

• Engaging and meaningful curriculum focusing on experiential learning, hands-on experiences, and career development events that ensure student participation

• Exceptional reputation and increased visibility and recognition nationally and internationally

• Thoughtful dedication to maintaining current partnerships and expanding the areas of interest

This year marks the celebration of MTSU’s community and the International Affairs team’s hard work.

MTSU INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, IN COLLABORATION WITH CAMPUS PARTNERS, WAS AHEAD OF MANY IN UNDERSTANDING THAT SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION COULD NOT BE MORE IMPORTANT.

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Our team is happy to report that in fall 2022, the international enrollment reached 562 and has been on a steady incline since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has greatly affected all universities and international enrollment throughout the United States. As the number of students increases, so does the diversity, for over 73 countries are now represented in the international population at MTSU.

The top 10 countries are:

• Saudi Arabia

• China

• Nigeria

• The Bahamas

• India

• Japan

• Kenya

• Ghana

• Mexico

• United Kingdom

Our international students are enrolled in a variety of majors at the University, with the top five being: • Aerospace

Professional Science

Business Administration

Information Systems

Computer Science

CELEBRATING COLLABORATIONS AND STUDENT OUTREACH

As part of the International Affairs recruitment plan, the IA enrollment team took a multifaceted approach to speak and network with students, existing and potential partners, and both universities and high schools. We took part in over 150 in-person and online fairs, agent visits, and university and high school visits and connected with more than 60,000 students at these events. We also welcomed many visitors to campus, including our longtime partners at GSM and others. In addition to that, we hosted over 15 webinars to speak to students about MTSU campus life, housing, academics, and an array of other topics. Our prospective student participation always averaged about 36–40.

One of our biggest accomplishments this year is our new partnership with Career Mosaic, which is based in Ahmedabad, India, and the hiring of an on-site South Asia recruiter. With this hire and partnership, we will be able to better communicate with Indian

subcontinent students and agents with the hope to increase our enrollment from that part of the world. We celebrated this hire through a launch event hosted in India where more than 300 other Indian agents gathered to learn about MTSU.

STUDENT OUTREACH HIGHLIGHTS

110 VISITS WITH PARTNERS ABROAD

40 VISITS TO UNIVERSITIES AND HIGH SCHOOLS

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUCCESSES

Students attending Middle Tennessee State University on an F-1 visa have the benefit of one year of employment as Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students with majors in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are entitled to a twoyear extension after the first year of Optional Practical Training. Every year, MTSU students take advantage of this benefit. For the 2022–23 academic year, 95 graduate students and 111 undergraduate students participated in OPT and STEM OPT. The top majors for international graduate students are Biology and Information Systems. The undergraduates’ top majors are Aerospace, Biology, and Mechatronics Engineering.

For all international students, the cost of attendance is very important. Middle Tennessee State University

offers the International Merit Scholarship to both graduate and undergraduate students. For the 2022–23 academic school year, 56% of all international undergraduate students received the International Merit Scholarship. During the same period, 37% of all international graduate students were assigned to an assistantship.

STUDENTS ATTENDING MIDDLE

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ON AN F-1 VISA HAVE THE BENEFIT OF ONE YEAR OF EMPLOYMENT AS OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING.

CELEBRATING STUDENTS’ INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected education abroad around the globe; however, MTSU’s Office of International Affairs has made great strides to offer various program opportunities for students. After a successful year of sending MTSU students abroad post-pandemic, International Affairs is proud to report an additional increase in study abroad participation: 281 students studied overseas between the Fall 2022 and Summer 2023 semesters. Six MTSU colleges were represented, with the College of Liberal Arts having the most study abroad participation with 102 students. The Office of Education Abroad has set a goal to increase student participation in study abroad programs from all colleges.

Outgoing Exchange

MTSU offers not only short-term study abroad programs, but also long-term exchange programs where students can earn at least 12 hours per semester. Students can choose between studying with one of our exchange partners or enrolling directly in a provider program. Fifteen students studied abroad during the Fall 2022 semester, in Japan, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, U.K., South Korea, and Sweden. In Spring 2023, 16 students studied abroad, in Australia, Spain, France, Japan, U.K., and Brazil. Four students studied abroad during the full academic year, in South Korea, France, and Japan.

Incoming Exchange

The Office of Education Abroad has the privilege of accepting exchange students who study at MTSU for a semester or academic year. Exchange students are non-degree-seeking but are able to achieve credits at MTSU to transfer to their home institutions. For Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, MTSU hosted 19 exchange students from five countries: Japan, U.K., Taiwan, Germany, and France.

Celebrating Faculty-Led Programs

The majority of MTSU students who study abroad participate in our ever-popular signature

faculty-led programs. Twenty-eight MTSU facultyled programs took 236 students to 25 countries. Canada and Argentina were locations that students could travel to during spring break. Summer 2023 offered a selection of programs around the globe including Austria, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Estonia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, France, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Senegal, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, and U.K.

AFTER A SUCCESSFUL YEAR OF SENDING MTSU STUDENTS ABROAD POST-PANDEMIC, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS IS PROUD TO REPORT AN ADDITIONAL INCREASE IN STUDY ABROAD PARTICIPATION.

Scholarships

Scholarships and funding for students were offered at a record level—more than $600,000 in 2022–23! Also, six MTSU students were awarded the esteemed Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad.

Study Abroad Fair

The annual Study Abroad Fair that took place on November 16 was a highlight of International Education Week 2022. With over 30 tables staffed with faculty leaders and provider partners, the event was a great success! Students were able to learn and ask questions about study abroad programs as well as collect swag including stickers, pens, luggage tags, buttons, and other travel-related giveaways. The largest giveaways included five study abroad scholarships worth $1,250 in total and one flight scholarship worth $2,000.

CELEBRATING STUDENTS ON CAMPUS

International Student Council

We revitalized the International Ambassador program, which included making some structural changes and adding responsibilities and accountability, as well as a charter, to create the new International Student Council. As part of being on the council, members of the International Student Council are expected to mentor a small group of new international students, participate in events and activities sponsored by the Office of International Affairs, and maintain the office’s social media presence.

The International Student Council comprises both undergraduate and graduate students from Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Ethiopia, Bahamas, Brazil, and the Czech Republic. These students have shown their dedication to MTSU and a willingness

to serve the international student population in their positions as members of the International Student Council. The goal of the renewed council is to bring together the international community on campus.

The newly appointed council for the 2023–24 school year has begun planning activities and social media posts to welcome incoming international students.

Events and Activities

This last year, International Affairs held numerous events and activities designed to bring together our international students and to promote the Office of International Affairs across campus.

At the beginning of the semester, we welcomed our new students with orientation week activities. These activities have included tours of campus and the

WE COORDINATED WITH THE INDIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION TO RESTART THE HOLI COLOR FESTIVAL, WHERE COLORFUL CHALK WAS THROWN TO THE BEAT OF TRADITIONAL INDIAN MUSIC.

MTSU library, workshops to encourage classroom success, a tour of Murfreesboro, and the Welcome Event where they met with representatives from across campus and had the opportunity to meet other international students.

During International Education Week in November, we organized an International Affairs soccer tournament that brought students together in an incredible athletic competition. We also held our International Affairs open house, where we shared cultural food and activities with visitors. These events helped promote the Office of International Affairs and showcase our international student body.

We coordinated with the Indian Student Association to restart the Holi Color Festival, where colorful chalk

was thrown to the beat of traditional Indian music. We also worked with the Saudi Student Association and the Muslim Student Association to hold a break the fast dinner for Ramadan. These events were both successful and praised as bringing more cultural involvement to our diverse student populations on campus. Other activities included tours of Nashville, hiking at some local state parks, pumpkin painting, and celebrating our international athletes in their respective sports.

Each semester has ended with our International Graduation, where we celebrate the international students who are receiving their degrees. What an honor to have been part of their educational journeys and to celebrate their achievements with them.

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Celebrating the Center for Chinese Music and Culture (CCMC)

CCMC has continued to provide MTSU students with diverse cultural experiences while strengthening our outreach program to serve our local, regional, and national communities. Throughout the 2022–23 academic year, the CCMC presented and co-presented a total of 12 concerts, three workshops, and numerous lectures. These events featured some of the leading Chinese artists and scholars in their fields, highlighting cultural connections, inclusion, and commonalities.

The CCMC introduced renowned scholars and artists for classroom visits at the School of Music; Department of History; Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures; and more. One of the highlights was the presentation of world-renowned pipa virtuoso and 2023 National Heritage Fellowship recipient Wu Man as part of MTSU’s celebration of Women’s History Month. A Grammy Award winner, Wu Man’s outstanding artistry, international recognition, and personal story of her journey from immigrant to cultural ambassador drew

an audience of over 200 to her lecture and concert at MTSU’s Hinton Hall.

Creating opportunities for MTSU students and showcasing students’ achievements in international competency has always been one of the center’s priorities. Last year, MTSU’s Chinese Ensemble, under the direction of Mei Han, was very active in performing at local and regional community events, including the annual ’Boro International Festival, the Celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Discovery Center, the Oakland Mansion Free Day, and concerts for the Nashville-based Global Education Center, the Nissan factory, as well as the School of Music at Western Kentucky University. The ensemble also performed for a delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Washington led by Minister-Counselor Zhou Zheng. The diplomat was impressed by the high performance abilities of our students. Continued positive experiences and feedback from the audience have encouraged and motivated our students to explore other cultures as a method of enriching their professional skills. A School of Music alumna, Emory Gaskill, was invited

to perform a bluegrass piece with Wu Man at her concert. This was a tremendous honor and experience for a budding professional musician.

The center’s archival collections of musical instruments and artifacts continue to serve as an educational resource and cultural tourist destination for middle Tennessee communities. Our visitor numbers have started to rebound after COVID, to approximately 500 last year, with groups ranging from MTSU classes, high schools, summer schools, home-schoolers, and senior groups. A staff member from FiftyForward in Brentwood, wrote: “This was one of the highest praised trips I’ve ever had in working in this organization for two years. The bus got back, and members made a point of interrupting a meeting I was in to praise the CCMC.”

Proudly representing MTSU, Director Mei Han continues to contribute to the field of Chinese music studies and performance internationally. She presented papers at the American Musicological Society (AMS), Society for Ethnomusicology (SEM), and Society for Music Theory (SMT) 2022 Joint Annual Meeting in New Orleans and at the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) Colloquium “From Musical Bows to Zithers along the Silk Road” in Shanghai, China. She was the keynote speaker at the Student Music Research Symposium at the University of Georgia. She also lectured online for the ethnomusicology seminar at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore and led an online workshop on composing for Chinese musical instruments. Her international concert schedule included performances in Malaysia,

Korea, Canada, and the U.S. She also was invited to participate in the National Gugak Center Workshop, a prestigious international event on Korean music.

The CCMC also hosted another visiting scholar this year. Lyujing Liu, a Chinese hammer dulcimer instructor from Hangzhou University, was very active assisting the center’s activities and working with the students in the Chinese Ensemble. Liu was also a feature performer in a very well-attended Lunar New Year concert at Hinton Hall. We were pleased to provide the opportunity for Nina Meer, a senior in Business Administration from the MTSU Jones College of Business, to work with the center as an intern.

PROUDLY REPRESENTING MTSU, DIRECTOR MEI HAN CONTINUES TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FIELD OF CHINESE MUSIC STUDIES AND PERFORMANCE INTERNATIONALLY.

Celebrating the Voice of Students on Humanity

In collaboration with the College of Media and Entertainment, the Office of International Affairs successfully hosted the fourth International Student Media Art Festival at MTSU. Thirty-five professors and students from China, United Kingdom, and South Korea shared their art in the format of short film, digital animation, and virtual reality videos. The participants unleashed their creativity in the 72-hour video competition in a variety of topics. The organizer also received over 76 submissions from 25 universities with theme of Humans and Environment.

MTSU is the one of the four founding members of the International Student Media Art Alliance. The organization seeks to broaden the global perspectives, promote cultural and educational exchange, and evoke discussion about challenges faced by mankind.

Students from participating universities were given the unique opportunity to express themselves on issues that transcend language barriers, geographic borders, and political differences.

CELEBRATING MTSU’S PRESENCE IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA)

2023 Annual Conference (Washington, D.C., Feb 19–22, 2023)

AIEA Panel Presentation: Beyond Sponsorship: Creating International Partnerships with MENA Institutions

Presenters: Robert Summers, Rehab Ghazal, and Nashmi Alrasheedi

This session explored how institutions of higher education in the United States and the Middle East can collaborate on creating international partnerships beyond sponsored programs. Like many institutions, we were forced by the pandemic to assess our objectives and reframe our approach to increase our reach, broaden our scope, and expand our international partnerships. The goal was to present ideas on how to diversify the opportunities available to students and faculty while building cultural competency. The panel also discussed the following:

• Different types of partners beyond sponsored governmental organizations

• Programs we developed with partners in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to expand cultural understanding between American students and students from the Middle East

• Strategies that we found successful in reducing the cost of participation in cultural and academic exchanges

• Collaborative projects in the fields of data analytics, music, education, and global studies

• Strategies for addressing logistical challenges and building campus buy-in from faculty and leadership

• Challenges faced by partner universities outside of the United States

• Strategies for involving the campus and larger community in understanding cultural diversity

NAFSA Conference Poster Presentation (Washington, D.C., May 30–June 2, 2023)

Title: Intercultural Competencies Across Disciplines in Study Abroad Programs

Presenters: Priya Ananth and Seok Jeng Jane Lim

This study, which was part of a larger ongoing book project, showcased how intercultural competencies in the areas of knowledge, skills, and attitudes were incorporated into course curricula of faculty-led study abroad programs across six disciplines at MTSU. The presentation included five most frequently used intercultural engagement activities employed by faculty leaders, student reflections emphasizing gains in their intercultural competencies after participating in the programs, and a suggested future path for further developing intercultural competencies in study abroad.

CELEBRATING A YEAR OF COLLABORATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

In spring 2023, MTSU signed two strategic memoranda of understanding, with Dubai Police and the American University in Cairo.

The MOU with Dubai Police outlines collaborations in the areas of professional development, graduate and undergraduate degrees, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices. One of the first outcomes of this partnership was the development of a three-week professional development program for a delegation of 15 police officers. The group visited MTSU from July 23 to August 11 and attended seminars on data analytics, forensic science, and criminology. They also visited partners such as CGI, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), and Murfreesboro Police Department. In addition, they attended guest speaker lectures and cultural events hosted by the Colleges of Business, Liberal Arts, and Basic and Applied Sciences. Out of the 15, seven participants were Ph.D. candidates studying in the U.S. and U.K., and five were master’s degree holders in various fields. We also hosted a sheikh (a royal prince), the grandson of the late Dubai ruler.

Also in the spring, MTSU signed an MOU with the American University in Cairo as a new partner for the USAID Scholars Program funded by the State Department. The program supports high achieving high school students from underrepresented backgrounds and allows them to spend one semester as exchange students in the United States when they are in college. After a rigorous screening process by American University and MTSU, 13 students have been selected to join MTSU this fall. All students are rising college seniors currently studying at public universities in Egypt, broadly in the fields of agriculture (dietetics and biotechnology) and engineering (construction/ mechatronics/software).

In addition, to the USAID Scholars Program, MTSU will be partnering with American University and FHI 360 on the USAID Egyptian Pioneers, a new program that provides scholarships and training to Egyptian students with emphasis on sectors that can advance Egypt’s climate goals. This program is scheduled to launch in 2024.

THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS HIGH ACHIEVING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM UNDERREPRESENTED BACKGROUNDS AND ALLOWS THEM TO SPEND ONE SEMESTER AS EXCHANGE STUDENTS

CELEBRATING INNOVATIONS

Forensic Aviation Archaeology in France

For three years, Tiffany Saul and Adam Fracchia have been leading a team of students and international volunteers in France on a collaborative recovery mission at a WWII B-17 aircraft crash site with unaccounted for U.S. personnel. This project is a great example of the hard work and commitment of MTSU faculty in developing meaningful experiences for our students. This program allows students to learn forensic archaeology field methods while assisting with a larger goal of providing answers for the surviving loved ones of the unaccounted for crew. Each year, students appreciate the importance of the work and build relationships with international partners and the local community.

Everett Merian (they/them), an MTSU student from the 2022 team, worked to create an informational exhibit for the town in which the crash occurred. Everett used this experience as the subject of their Honors thesis. The town’s mayor unveiled the exhibit at the town hall on June 28 during a reception hosted by the local community. Everett’s travel to deliver the exhibit was supported by MTSU’s Honors College,

College of Liberal Arts, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. Construction of the exhibit was funded through Saul’s discretionary research funds.

THIS PROGRAM ALLOWS STUDENTS TO LEARN FORENSIC ARCHAEOLOGY FIELD METHODS WHILE ASSISTING WITH A LARGER GOAL OF PROVIDING ANSWERS FOR THE SURVIVING LOVED ONES OF THE UNACCOUNTED FOR CREW.

MTSU International Affairs would like to thank Saul and her students for their work on this project over the years.

Workforce Development for the Entertainment Industry in Saudi Arabia

In August 2022, MTSU Professor John Merchant, chair of the Department of Recording Industry, submitted a proposal designed to create a collegiate degree path for media professionals in Saudi Arabia. Merchant,

MERCHANT SAID THE COURSES WERE PROMOTED AND MARKETED BROADLY TO ENCOURAGE A DIVERSE POPULATION OF STUDENTS TO ATTEND.

working with Haneen Shoaib of the University of Business and Technology in Jeddah, determined that offering professional certification classes in Avid’s Pro Tools digital audio application was an ideal initial step: The course materials were fully developed and approved by the company, and their certifications for students and instructors are recognized internationally. The grant was approved in September 2022.

The project aimed to:

• Provide workforce development to support the rapidly growing entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia.

• Expand academic infrastructure that is currently limited in Saudi Arabia.

• Develop native expertise in audio production to serve as instructors.

• Foster academic partnerships between Saudi Arabia- and U.S.-based universities.

• Establish a foundation for expanded courses and concentrations, including:

o studio recording and production

o sound reinforcement (live event production)

o audio postproduction (sound for picture)

o live event production (event safety, live event technologies, venue management)

o music business (intellectual property, artist management, promotions and marketing for artists)

• Raise local and national awareness of the University of Business and Technology’s programs for longterm development and investment in media and entertainment curricula.

Merchant said the courses were promoted and marketed broadly to encourage a diverse population of students to attend. Classes were offered in December 2022 and May 2023, and five students completed the training to become the first Avid Certified Instructors in Saudi Arabia.

CELEBRATING MTSU FACULTY PUBLICATIONS

FOCUSING ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Title: Intercultural Engagement in Short-term Faculty-led Study Abroad: A Practitioner’s Guide with Multidisciplinary Perspectives from a Public University

Editors: Priya Ananth and Seok Jeng Jane Lim

Publisher: MT Open Press, Middle Tennessee State University (publication forthcoming in September 2023)

This practitioner’s guide offers creative ways of integrating intercultural competencies into class activities, tasks, and assignments in short-term faculty-led study abroad programs. The intercultural competencies, categorized in the areas of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, include characteristics such as awareness about self and other cultures, creative thinking, problem-solving, empathy, tolerance toward ambiguity, and withholding judgment. By purposefully embedding these characteristics in their course activities, faculty can better assist students in deepening intercultural and global competencies.

This book is arranged into three sections. Section I provides the basic framework to understand short-

term faculty-led study abroad programs from theoretical as well as administrative perspectives. Section II showcases 11 contributions from faculty leaders across six disciplines who share program details demonstrating how intercultural competencies were strategically incorporated into the activities, tasks, and assignments of their study abroad curricula. Section III presents the conclusions with recommendations for faculty and administrators to plan and design short-term faculty-led study abroad programs.

The main purpose of this book is to encourage the creation of new short-term faculty-led study abroad programs at the university level as well as empower current faculty leaders to strengthen or adapt their programs. It will be of interest to a broad readership of multidisciplinary study abroad educators, including faculty leaders, faculty leaders-in-training, faculty scholars, and administrators.

Note: For this project we received financial support from the MTSU Office of International Affairs as well as a Digital Seed Grant through the Digital Scholarship Initiatives at Walker Library at MTSU.

CELEBRATING OUR ONLINE PRESENCE

Top Posts: The posts on social media that have the highest engagement with likes and comments are those that feature our activities. Our International Graduation pictures and our International Student Council pictures have the most likes of any other posts, followed by pictures from our International Affairs soccer tournament and the Holi Color Festival, and after that are the posts about our international athletes. The engagement brought by these posts shows the community of international students that we have here on campus.

Student Engagement: Our social media presence is growing on Instagram as more and more students

connect with us through that platform. While we have other social media platforms, the students’ engagement through Instagram is the most prevalent. Currently, we have 1,454 followers on Instagram. We have increased our reels and videos, which has led to higher engagement from students.

Student Posts: Students have contributed content for our social media platforms. They have highlighted activities, buildings, and services around campus and cultural holidays. The content from the students has added great depth and variety to our social media.

CELEBRATING OUR FACULTY

Chaminda Prelis was born in Sri Lanka and spent most of his youth living in Colombo, the capital. He moved to the U.S., where he completed a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and a master’s in Aviation at the University of North Dakota. He completed his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Northcentral University, with a research focus on leadership challenges stemming from the generational diversity within the aerospace industry as well as staffing shortages.

Prelis moved to Tennessee in 2021 and currently serves as the chair of the MTSU Department of

Aerospace. Before that, Prelis worked as a station manager for Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines and as a faculty member and director of aviation programs within the Aviation Department at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa. Additionally, Prelis is active within the University Aviation Association (UAA) and is currently the UAA president. He is also a certified commercial pilot with instrument and multi-engine ratings.

Prelis understands the importance of a diverse education with a globalized perspective. He stated that his “career success and ability to relate to students have had much to do with having lived outside the U.S. and being involved in the airline industry with a diversified and globalized workforce.” More importantly, he says, “It has taught me the importance of learning from other cultures and the importance of diversity to ensure the success of the future generation of aerospace professionals.”

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