2019-2020 Annual Report

Message from the Associate Vice Provost
Throughout the pandemic, KUIA units and our partners across campus chose a forward path of innovation rather than a make-do approach. That has made all the difference.
The work KU’s team of international educators has done has been nothing short of transformative for the university as a whole. KU faculty and staff have risen and continue to rise to the many challenges and have shown ingenuity, dedication, resilience and passion for what they do. In their work, they have proven just how central internationalization is to our world-class university and they have inspired our entire community of Jayhawks.

Promoting and Preserving German
Bill Keel, who retired as professor of German in 2019, left a legacy of work that has been equal parts promoting and preserving the German language as he fostered a Sister City relationship and traveled throughout Kansas and Missouri to record the fading German dialects.
Article on Bill Keel
Professor leads 50+ study abroad trips
In March 2020, Mary Klayder led her 53rd study abroad program, providing transformative experiences for more than 1,100 students who have traveled with her on programs centered in London, Great Britain and Costa Rica.
Article on Mary KlayderStudy Abroad

Student Virtually Travels Through Online Internship

Increasing Access to Study Abroad
Study Abroad in 2019-2020
Study Abroad 2
Faculty and Student Awards

Student Spotlight

Emilia Paz Ojeda
Emilia Paz Ojeda, a computer science graduate from Peru, was surprised by the number of other international students on campus. She now works for Google and says her international education will be integral in communicating with colleagues.
Brooke Lapke
Brooke Lapke, a microbiology graduate who is now a KU School of Medicine student, says that international education changed her perspective on medicine.
Mika Schrader
For Mika Schrader, a history and religious studies graduate, two study abroad experiences opened doors and opportunities that she didn't even know existed.
Students from Around the World
In Fall 2019, more than 2,000 international students enrolled at KU’s Lawrence campus from more than 100 countries. The map highlights international students’ home countries, with darker shades indicating the countries with more students.
KU International Students 2019-2020
KU International Student 2

Olcese retires after 35 years
Olcese retired in May after nearly eight years as director of International Student Services and almost two decades of advocating for international education in Kansas. Throughout his career, Olcese has been a local, regional and national leader in international education.
Read Article on Chuck Olcese
Soltanshahi Named ISS Director
KU International Affairs is delighted to welcome Ali Soltanshahi to the Jayhawk family as its International Support Services director. Serving in the field of international education since 2001, Soltanshahi worked at four higher education institutions before coming to KU.
Article on SoltanshahiKUIA Kudos
Recognition of KUIA staff and faculty achievements.
