Dear Colleagues,
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Gruenewald as Executive Director of the Center for International Education (CIE) and Senior International Officer, effective October 7, 2024. With more than 20 years at UW-Milwaukee’s Center for International Education, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to the role. Jennifer currently serves as the Interim Executive Director for International Education, and Director of CIE’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Prior to UWM, Jennifer held several roles within the Office of International Programs and Studies at the University of New Mexico.
As Interim Executive Director during the past year, Jennifer planned and participated in delegation visits with UWM’s strategic international partners, oversaw UWM’s international agent network, and UWM’s South Asian regional director for international student recruitment, advocated for critical resource needs, and ensured institutional compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to international education. Under Jennifer’s leadership, the various international units coordinated efforts to function as one cohesive international office serving students and faculty at UWM and abroad.
Jennifer also remained in her role as Director of International Student and Scholar Services and continued to play an active role in facilitating communication and connections between Universities of Wisconsin International Educators focusing on best practices and statewide international initiatives.
Jennifer earned her MA in Intercultural Communication from the University of New Mexico, and her BA in Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She received a Fulbright Award for International Education Administrators and has had experiences teaching and learning outside of the US. Jennifer is grateful to work with a team of outstanding colleagues who are exemplary international education professionals demonstrating unwavering commitment to their work and UWM’s international agenda.
I congratulate the Search and Screen Committee, chaired by Brett Peters, for its outstanding work. I thank Jennifer for her excellent service and leadership during the interim and look forward to working with her in her permanent role as the Executive Director and Senior International Officer in the Center for International Education.
