Nominations are now open for the 2026 President’s Award for Leadership in International Education. The deadline for nominations is February 13, 2026.
About the Award
The Office of the President welcomes nominations for the President’s Award for Leadership in International Education in two categories: Rising Professionals and Distinguished Service.
The University of Michigan offers exceptional global learning opportunities for students, with thousands gaining international experience each year through study abroad, internships, research, volunteer experiences, and other (competitions, performances, conferences, etc). Equally vital are the international students and scholars who bring cultural and intellectual diversity to our campuses, enriching our community and expanding U-M’s global network of leadership and service.
These awards recognize and celebrate the extraordinary leadership and efforts of U-M faculty and staff who advance international education for our students.
Eligibility
Eligible for nomination are all active U-M faculty and staff members, on all three campuses, who meet the selection criteria for one of two categories: Rising Professional or Distinguished Service.
Up to three recipients will be selected this year, with a goal of awarding one individual as a Rising Professional and two individuals for Distinguished Service.
Note: Employees in the Office of the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning or the Office of the President are not eligible.
Categories & Criteria Overview
1. Rising Professionals – Ideal candidates typically have fewer than 10 years of experience in international education and are still building their professional careers, yet already demonstrate meaningful impact on U-M’s global engagement mission.
They are emerging leaders who’ve shown notable promise and early contributions to international education, exhibit a pattern of steady growth, and a willingness to take on new challenges.
2. Distinguished Service – Ideal candidates typically have 10 or more years of experience, with a long-standing and sustained commitment to advancing international education.
This category honors those who exemplify leadership, mentorship, and influence within the university and the broader professional community, serving as models of excellence for others in the field. They demonstrate enduring impact through their efforts in areas such as program development, curricular innovation, or institutional partnerships.
Nomination Process
All active faculty, staff and students are eligible to submit nominations. Each nomination packet should include the following items:
- A nomination cover sheet. The cover sheet should include a brief paragraph summarizing the length of service of the nominee at the University of Michigan, and the different roles the nominee has held throughout their years of U-M service.
- A nomination statement, between 500 and 600 words in length, describing how the nominee has demonstrated some or all of the traits outlined in the selection criteria.
- Three letters of support from colleagues, detailing the nominee’s achievements and/or service to the field of international education.
- A current curriculum vitae.
Nominators should note that U-M is interested in the nominee pool reflecting the diversity of its faculty and staff, with respect to such factors as gender, race/ethnicity, and unit affiliation.
Each submitted nomination will be considered for two consecutive selection years.
Completed nomination packets should be submitted by email to international-education-award@umich.edu by the February 13, 2026 deadline.
Selection
Individual award nominations will be reviewed by a faculty/staff screening committee. Committee members are selected from within the memberships of the Council on Global Engagement, the International Education Network, and departments across campus.
Past recipients
2025 – Lorenzo García-Amaya (Rising Professional), Cheryl Moyer (Distinguished Service), and Scott Riggs (Distinguished Service)
Lorenzo García-Amaya: “Lorenzo is known among his colleagues and students for his innovative research, program leadership, student mentorship, and dedication to service. He has served as the faculty lead for numerous University of Michigan study abroad programs in Spain. His students return from their experiences with enhanced language proficiency and intercultural competence, which builds their global citizenship skills.” – President Domenico Grasso
Cheryl Moyer: “In everything she does, she is a champion of mentoring Michigan students on international health projects. That includes deep involvement with the Medical School’s Global REACH program, which sees medical faculty and students in collaborations throughout the world. She wears many hats—she is a mentor, a principal investigator on numerous grants, and an inspiration to anyone who believes in the impact Michigan can make globally.” – President Domenico Grasso
Scott Riggs: “Scott has made global education a part of the UM-Dearborn experience. This can be a challenge when your students are commuters and often work in addition to pursuing a college degree. He has been instrumental in establishing engaging study abroad programs in Spain, Iceland, Costa Rica, Poland, Greece, and France.” – President Domenico Grasso
Record: U-M honors three leaders for expanding global learning
2024 – Andrew Lawlor and Emily Wang
Andrew Lawlor, retired director of Global MBA Projects and lecturer in entrepreneurship and strategy at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, and Emily Wang, assistant director of the Office of International Affairs at UM-Dearborn. Andrew Lawlor’s work in global business education has helped shape future leaders with an international perspective, while Emily Wang has been a dedicated champion of global education at UM-Dearborn, expanding opportunities for cross-cultural learning and collaboration.
Record: Two honored for contributions to international education
2023 – Jody Lori and Kathleen Lopez
Jody Lori, the Sara H. and Robert B. Rothschild Endowed Professor of Global Nursing, professor of nursing and associate dean of global affairs at the School of Nursing, and Katie Lopez, director of the Office of Global Activities and adjunct clinical assistant professor at the School of Social Work are the 2023 recipients of the President’s Award for Distinguished Service in International Education.
Record: President’s award winners focus on global health, student travel
2022 – Timothy Johnson and Judith Pennywell
Timothy Johnson, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and professor of obstetrics and gynecology and women’s and gender studies, and Judith Pennywell, director of U-M’s International Center, have greatly advanced international education and outreach for Michigan students while strengthening the university’s global presence.
They are being honored for their achievements with the 2022 U-M’s President’s Award for Distinguished Service in International Education.
Record: President’s award winners strengthen U‑M’s global presence
2021 – John Godfrey
John Godfrey, assistant dean of the Rackham Graduate School, is working to ensure foreign students can navigate this ever-changing global landscape successfully.
His commitment and advocacy for international students started almost three decades ago. Now, he is being recognized for his efforts as the 2021 recipient of U-M’s President’s Award for Distinguished Service in International Education.
Record: President’s award winner John Godfrey advances international mission
2020 – Maureen Tippen
Maureen Tippen, a University of Michigan-Flint clinical associate professor emerita of nursing, is the 2020 recipient of the President’s Award for Distinguished Service in International Education.
For the past 25 years, Professor Emerita Tippen has taken more than 250 UM-Flint nursing students on service-learning journeys to Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Her work ranges from clinical trainings in orphanages and educating nurses and laypeople about CPR in Cambodia to developing a partnership with a safe house to serve women escaping life in the sex trade and giving instructions on how to prevent Zika virus in the Dominican Republic.
She has built international partnerships in Peru, India, Kenya, Laos and elsewhere.
Record: UM-Flint professor honored for 25 years of international nursing
2019: Sandra Wiley puts her stamp on international education
2018: Volker Sick receives president’s international education award
