Lynne Vanahill has been named director of International Support Services after serving as acting director since August.

Vanahill joined KU's international student support team in 1996, serving as assistant director. In 1999 she was promoted to associate director of advising services and then associate director and SEVIS coordinator in 2002. In the past few years, she has served as KU's principal designated school official for the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Program and is the responsible officer for the J-1 exchange program.

"Her extraordinary knowledge, deep experience and profound expertise have steered ISS well for more than 25 years," said Charles Bankart, senior internationalization officer.

Vanahill is a state and national leader in her field with a long history of giving back through training and service to the profession. Bankart noted that Vanahill is passionate about KU and international education and strongly believes in her colleagues and the students and scholars she serves.

"I am beyond excited to have Lynne in this leadership role and look forward to partnering with her as we continue to promote internationalization across the university," Bankart said.

Elizabeth Gould has been named the interim International Short Programs director for 2024.

Gould, who was the associate director of ISP and assistant director of academic affairs for the Applied English Center, stepped into the role in early January after the departure of director Riki Suess. 

Bankart said as associate director of ISP, Gould has built partnerships, connected to KU's internal ecosystems and helped programs thrive.

"Elizabeth has been an amazing leader and contributor to our mission. Her work with the AEC has been 

exemplary – especially as it relates to curriculum and our CEA accreditation status, but just an importantly as a colleague, scholar and mentor to our AEC faculty and staff colleagues," Bankart said. 

Bankart also thanked Suess for her service to KU and the innovation she brought to the division.

"Riki has helped us pivot and move forward at a particularly fraught time in the world," Bankart said. 

Gould's appointment will be for the 2024 calendar year. 

Nine KU students and alumni have advanced to the semifinalist round for Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards, which will provide funding to study, conduct research or teach English abroad for the 2024-2025 academic year.

This year’s Fulbright semifinalists represent diverse academic fields across campus, coming from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the schools of Journalism & Mass Communication and Education & Human Sciences. The semifinalists’ locations of proposed study span three continents and eight countries.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program and is designed to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people of other countries. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.

Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected based on academic or professional achievement as well as their record of service and demonstrated leadership in their respective fields. Fulbright grants provide funding for round-trip travel, maintenance for one academic year, health and accident insurance and, where relevant, tuition.

>> Read more about the semifinalists

Jacque Eidson, a lecturer in Professional Studies, has received a Fulbright Specialist Award to travel to France, where she will present on fintech. 

The ESC Clermont Business School in Clermont-Ferrand, France, is hosting Eidson for three weeks this semester. Eidson will lecture on the future of financial technology in personal finance, focusing on overspending nudges during fintech use and the effects of fintech on existing economic disparities.

Additionally, Eidson will collaborate with faculty on research for two comparative projects between Europe and America. One is a study on board gender diversity, and the other is an analysis of first-generation college graduates working as faculty.

During her time in Europe, Eidson will also travel to Brussels to meet with the leadership team for European Women on Boards.

Eidson is one of more than 400 U.S. citizens selected each year to share their expertise with host institutions abroad through the Fulbright Specialist Program. Recipients are selected based on academic and professional achievement, demonstrated leadership in their field and their potential to foster long-term cooperation between institutions in the U.S. and abroad.

>> Read full article 

KU International Affairs is accepting proposals and applications for travel grants that support faculty and graduate student research and collaboration abroad. 

The deadline for submitting proposals and applications is March 6. Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April. 

Faculty travel grants will support international travel expenses for interdisciplinary, humanistic research projects, as well as academic collaborations in Asia and Latin America. Travel grants for graduate students support internationally focused academic or training opportunities and preliminary dissertation field activities in Latin America and Africa.

The most compelling proposals will align with Jayhawks Rising’s strategic priorities of expanding KU research and its influence, furthering student success, and promoting healthy and vibrant communities. 

>> More information on application process

The International Jayhawk Festival, an annual celebration of KU's global community, will be held on Wednesday, April 17. The event would not be possible without the support and work of many across campus. 

Below are opportunities for faculty, students and staff to volunteer and participate in this year's event. Please share with the KU community. 

Table at IJF: Sign up to table at the event.

Pederson Awards: International Student Organizations can apply for a $200 Pederson Grant, which can be spent on games, activities, prepackaged food, souvenirs, educational posters and more. The application deadline is March 20.

Performances: The festival offers performances from around the world and is looking for up to 15-minute performances. Performers will be paid.

Fashion Show Sign-Up: International students can represent their country at the International Fashion Show and wear their traditional fashion at the festival. 

Volunteer Sign-Up: Volunteers are needed to help ensure a successful festival. A variety of spots are available, allowing people to volunteer for a while and then enjoy the festival. 

Sponsor the Event: The festival depends on financial support for t-shirts, food, activities and other items to make it a truly unique experience for students. For a minimum of $100, departments and units across campus will be listed on the back of the popular festival t-shirts.

If you are interested in being a potential sponsor or performer, or have questions about the festival email Michelle Ward.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, Feb. 15, the day when Jayhawks come together to support One Day. One KU. The annual giving day allows Jayhawks to donate to the programs and priorities that are most important to them. 

This year KU International Affairs is raising funds for four areas with matching challenges to make donors' dollars go even further. These initiatives support the students and programs at the heart of KUIA's work.

Show your support by participating as an ambassador and spreading awareness of One Day. One KU. within your network through email, text and social media. If you are not an avid social media user but know of someone who is and is passionate about our work at KUIA, encourage them to be an ambassador.

>> Become an ambassador

>> Donate on Feb. 15

The 2024 spring semester promises to be a busy one. Mark your calendar with these upcoming international events and watch for more details in future Global Connections newsletters.

One Day One KU: Thursday, Feb. 15

Woodyard Award Presentation & Reception: Tuesday, April 9

Global Scholars Symposium: Thursday, April 11

International Jayhawk Festival: Wednesday, April 17

KUIA International Teaching Award Presentation & Reception: Thursday, April 18

Join International Support Services for the next Atlas Series at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 20 at the Watson Library in the 3 West Reading Room to learn about Kuwaiti culture from Kuwaiti students at KU. Event goers can try their hand at dama, a Kuwaiti version of checkers. The event will also have giveaways and food. 

Hosted in partnership with international students and student clubs at KU, Atlas events are open to all KU community members including international and American students, scholars, staff and families. 

RSVP on Rock Chalk Central.

KU International Affairs is expanding its social media presence in hopes of reaching an even wider audience. Follow us on our newest platforms InstagramLinkedIn. 

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