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International Affairs update announced

April 24, 2015

Collage of a globe, flags, backpack and passportNorthern Illinois University President Doug Baker announced in a Friday email that the Division of International Affairs will be overseen by Brad Bond, dean of the NIU Graduate School, will have primary oversight of the division while a search for permanant leadership is conducted.

“International Affairs has worked hard to build a lasting presence for global NIU through study abroad, global programs, international partnerships, and international student and scholar services,” he said in an email, noting that while the recent departure of Ray Alden and upcoming retirement of Deborah Pierce impact the division’s leadership capacity and expertise, there is a continued “desire to expand international student enrollment and our curricular emphasis on acquisition of global competencies.”

The division will reside within the Division of Academic Affairs. Although Bond will have primary oversight, he will not be a candidate for the permanent position, according to the email.

“Brad is committed to ensuring a positive experience for international students and scholars at NIU,” Baker said. “He is knowledgeable about critical compliance issues as well as academic programs across the university.”

The email reiterated the university’s commitment to international affairs and the entire campus community in finding the best ways to serve students, faculty, staff and partner institutions, while a task force undertakes a deliberate examination of NIU’s goals, strategies, structure and key priorities related to international affairs in preparation for a national search to find the next senior international officer.