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K-State Today

November 19, 2021

Institute of International Education receives 2021 International Innovative Educator of the Year award

Submitted by Grant M. Chapman

International Innovative Educator of the Yeaer

The Office of International Programs recognizes the Institute of International Education as the 2021 International Innovative Educator of the Year.

The annual recognition, announced as part of Kansas State University's International Education Week, is given to an organization that goes above and beyond promoting international initiatives and/or serving our global student body. Established in 2012, the International Innovative Educator of the Year Award is determined by the Office of International Programs leadership team.

"The Institute of International Education placement officers worked hard to place Fulbright students at K-State in 2021," said Wendy Matthews, assistant director for special programs and sponsored students in the Office of International Programs. "Though working from home, the Institute of International Education worked to provide dossiers and applications for 27 Fulbright students. Placement officers gave helpful suggestions on how to make our cost-share contribution go further. They answered many questions posed by our various departments. Thanks to the work of the institute, we were able to matriculate eight new Fulbright students."

According to the Institute of International Education website, "We believe that when education transcends borders, it opens minds, enabling people to go beyond building connections to solving problems together. Our vision is a peaceful, equitable world enriched by the international exchange of ideas and greater understanding between people and cultures. IIE's mission is to help people and organizations leverage the power of international education to thrive in today's interconnected world."

The Institute of International Education's emergency funds provided five K-State international students funds totaling $13,000 from May 2020 through September 2021. These generous funds allowed students from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Haiti and Nigeria to continue their studies at K-State. This period was the first time that K-State international students received IIE emergency funds.

"The Office of International Programs team felt strongly that the Institute of International Education promoted and advocated for international education during the pandemic," said Grant Chapman, associate provost for the Office of International Programs. "The institute directly assisted Kansas State University and our students during this difficult time." 

Noted past recipients of this award:

  • 2017: City of Manhattan Kansas under the leadership of Mayor Usha Reddi.
  • 2018: The Australian-American Fulbright Commission and the Oz to Oz Program and K-State hosting the only U.S. Distinguished Fulbright Chair in the U.S.
  • 2019: The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, YALI, administered by IREX.
  • 2020: Saudia Airlines for sponsoring students at the K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus.

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