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International Studies and Programs
Michigan State University
International Center
427 N. Shaw Lane, Room  #
East Lansing MI 48824-1035
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Titus O. Awokuse Co-Director
Global Innovations in Development, Engagement, and Scholarship

207 International Center
awokuset(at)msu.edu

Caitlin Barker Peace Corps Recruiter
Peace Corps

International Center, Room 201A
msupeace(at)msu.edu

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Biography: Caitlin Barker (she/her) is a PhD candidate in history at MSU, where she studies modern Chinese and African history. From 2014-2015 she served as a Peace Corps Community Health Volunteer in Cameroon, working primarily on nutrition and maternal and child health projects. Building on her Peace Corps service and three years teaching experience in China, Caitlin recently completed a year of dissertation fieldwork in Cameroon, France, and Taiwan, funded by a Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) fellowship and an SSRC Mellon International Dissertation Research (IDRF) Fellowship. Caitlin is currently writing a dissertation on China-Cameroon relations during the Cold War, and she also runs the website and listserv for the Chinese in Africa/Africans in China Research Network and serves as the Editorial Assistant and Office Manager for the Journal of West African History. She joined ISP as a Peace Corps Recruiter in January 2023.

Opal Leeman Bartzis Assistant Dean for Global Learning and Innovation and Executive Director for Education Abroad
Office for Education Abroad

105 International Center
bartziso(at)msu.edu

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Biography: As Executive Director, Opal provides leadership for the Office for Education Abroad, including the American Semester Program (ASP) for short-term inbound international students. She also directs the Global Youth Advancement Network (GYAN) and the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU), a consortium of Michigan’s public institutions. Opal chairs MSU’s Advisory Council on Education Abroad and the Faculty Learning Community for International Student Success and is a member of the Risk and Security Assessment Committee and International Strategic Enrollment Management Group. Prior to MSU, Opal held various positions over her 20 years at the Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University, most recently as Vice President for Academic Affairs and including three years as Resident Director in Ireland. She has served NAFSA in a variety of capacities, including Region VI Chair, Indiana State Representative, NAFSA Academy Coach, and currently as Co-Chair of the Peace, Justice & Citizen Diplomacy MIG. Active in the Forum on Education Abroad, Diversity Abroad, and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), she is a frequent presenter and workshop trainer at international education conferences. Opal earned her doctorate in adult, higher and community education at Ball State University with her dissertation on the development of culturally sensitive instructional practices through student teaching abroad. She also completed doctoral certificates in college and university teaching and community college leadership, and she holds an MA in history and Honors BA in German from Butler University. Her research and publication areas are inclusive pedagogy, global teacher education, academic ethics across cultures, appreciative advising, and sustainability in education abroad. She studied abroad in Switzerland, Russia, and Lithuania, and spends as much time as possible with family in Greece.

Gabrielle Baylor Coordinator
Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security

308 International Center
baylorga(at)msu.edu

Maria Beam Executive Secretary
Office for Education Abroad

109 International Center
beamm(at)msu.edu

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Biography: Maria Beam is the Executive Secretary and manages the Executive Director’s calendar, provides meeting support, maintains the Executive Director’s files, and attends meetings and events with/on behalf of the Executive Director as requested. Maria also provides support for the Advisory Council on Education Abroad, Education Abroad Leadership, and other group meetings as requested by the Executive Director. Maria joined the Office for Education Abroad in 2003, beginning as a receptionist, transitioning into an enrollment management specialist and now supports the Executive Director. She has assisted with the Global Internship Conference and attended conferences in Canada, Ireland, and Chile. She has also participated in mission trips to France, Guatemala, and Mexico. In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time with her family in Charlotte, Michigan.

Cheryl Benner Communications Manager
Office for Education Abroad

109 International Center
bennerc(at)msu.edu

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Biography: Cheryl Benner is the Communications Manager and oversees the marketing and communication activities for the office. She’s responsible for printed publications and digital communications, as well as event coordination, community outreach and student recruitment, including supervision of the Peer Adviser program and management of the Education Abroad Advising Center. Cheryl has co-presented at the local and regional levels on interactive media, education abroad for under-represented student populations, and the effective use of technology in student advising. She holds a BA in Advertising from MSU and brings almost 30 years of experience in outreach and marketing at a large public institution. When not on campus, Cheryl can be found cheering on the DeWitt Panthers, MSU Spartans and the Green Bay Packers and loves spending time with her family.

Angie Boldrey Financial Services Coordinator
Office for Education Abroad

110 International Center
boldreya(at)msu.edu

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Biography: Angie Boldrey is the Financial Services Coordinator and responsible for overseeing the development, approval, and implementation of all program budgets. She works with program coordinators and directors, making sure financial needs are met before, during and after their program’s completion. Additionally, works to secure payments to vendors and assists with budgeting and reconciliation of the education abroad enrollment. Prior to arriving at MSU, Angie worked in business management at a local law firm, finance and data management at a political consulting firm, and many varied areas in the Michigan legislature. She holds a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and lives in Okemos with her husband, two teenage daughters and retired greyhound named Dude.

John Bonnell Capacity Development Specialist
Global Innovations in Development, Engagement, and Scholarship

308 Manly Miles
bonnell3(at)msu.edu

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Biography: John Bonnell is Capacity Development Specialist with Michigan State University’s Global IDEAS. He designs and implements capacity strengthening programs with and for faculty at MSU and at partner universities. His fields of expertise include international and comparative education, higher education in developing countries, organizational change, and faculty and leadership development. He has conducted educational research and development projects in numerous countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to joining MSU, John served for four years as a faculty member and head of department at a private university in Kenya. John earned a PhD from MSU in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, with specializations in African Studies and International Development. John has co-lead institutional capacity development initiatives for the Global Center for Food Systems Innovation (Innovation Scholars Program), the Borlaug Higher Education for Agricultural Research and Development program, and the Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research, Capacity and Influence.