Woodyard International Educator Award
The George and Eleanor Woodyard International Educator Award recognizes KU faculty members who have provided outstanding leadership in international education at KU. Previously known as the Provost's Award for Leadership in International Education, this award is now supported by a generous endowment from Dr. George and Mrs. Eleanor Woodyard. Professor Woodyard joined the faculty of KU in 1966, and he was named KU's first Dean of International Studies in 1989. The award includes $1,000 in funding for professional activities. Award recipients will be invited to give a campus talk on their work in the spring semester. Previous award recipients are not eligible for nomination.
KUIA is not currently accepting nominations for the Woodyard Award. Check back in with us in fall 2025.
- Playing a creative role in developing a significant aspect of the international curriculum at KU, including study abroad programs; visiting international educators, scholars, artists, performers, or researchers; new internationalized programs and certificates;
- Assuming a lead role in developing an active KU collaboration with international partners;
- Collaborating with international colleagues or students in significant research and publications;
- Mentoring faculty and students in international development.
All documentation and letters of support should be specific to this competition. A faculty committee appointed by the Senior Internationalization Officer will review nominations. Previous nominees are encouraged to update their files. If you have nominated someone in the past, please send an updated statement of nomination and an updated CV for that individual.
The following materials are required for new nominations:
- A one- to two-page letter of nomination including a description of the activities that qualify the candidate for this award.
- A résumé or vitae.
- Up to six statements of support from KU colleagues, students, and/or partners abroad.
Nominators: Self-nomination, faculty colleague, unit committee, chair, director, associate dean or dean-level nominations may be made.
No announcement will be made concerning persons nominated. All materials received in relation to the process will be treated as confidential information.
Recipients of the George and Eleanor Woodyard International Educator Award
Mike Wuthrich, Associate Professor of Political Science
Mike Wuthrich, an associate professor of political science at the University of Kansas, has been named the recipient of the George and Eleanor Woodyard International Educator Award.
The Woodyard Award recognizes Wuthrich’s impact on international education at KU, highlighted by his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to fostering global perspectives. His international experience and emphasis, extensive research, and dedication to cross-cultural academic engagement have made a lasting mark on the university’s global mission.
2023: Mehrangiz Najafizadeh, Sociology <<Read More>>
2022: Elizabeth MacGonagle, History and African & African-American Studies <<Read More>>
2021: Kapila D. Silva, Architecture <<Read More>>
2019: Virginia Harper Ho, Law <<Read More>>
2018: Glenn Adams, Psychology <<Read More>>
2017: Mahasweta Banerjee, Social Welfare <<Read More>>
2016: Brent Metz, Anthropology
2015: Christopher Brown, Environmental Studies, Geography
2014: Megan Greene, History
2013 Jon Havener, Visual Art
2012: Erik Herron, Political Science
2011: Raj Bhala, Law
2010: Peter Herlihy, Geography and Latin American Studies
2009: Elizabeth Kuznesof, History and Latin American Studies
2008: Ed Canda, Social Welfare
2007: Bill Tsutsui, History
2006: John Head, Law
2005: Anita Herzfeld, Latin American Studies
2004: Marsha Haufler, Art History
2003: Garth Myers, Geography and African-American Studies
2003: Robert Timm, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
2002: Melissa Birch, Business
2002: Diane Fourny, French and European Studies
2001: Judith McCrea, Art & Design
2000: Leo Villalon, Political Science and African & African American Studies
1999: Tom Mulinazzi, Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering
1999: Charles Stansifer, History