Association of International Education Administrators Announces 2026-2027 Presidential Fellows

Washington, DC (September 8, 2026) — The Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) is pleased to announce that four international education leaders have been selected as the association’s 2026-2027 Presidential Fellows. The AIEA Presidential Fellows program, the association’s most prestigious and selective mentorship opportunity, is a year-long initiative that pairs emerging senior international officers with experienced leaders in the field. Each year, up to five Fellows are selected to participate in an immersive experience that includes individualized mentorship and a structured visit to their Mentor’s institution. Preference is given to candidates who have been in their current role for three years or fewer, and candidates based outside the United States are particularly encouraged to apply.

The AIEA Presidential Fellows Committee has selected the following candidates as this year’s fellowship recipients: Chrissie Faupel, Director of International Affairs at the University of Minnesota Duluth; Lindsey Gruber, Senior Executive Director of Global Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Jenny J. Lee, Chief International Affairs Officer and Dean of Arizona International at the University of Arizona; and Carrie Manning, Associate Provost for International Initiatives and Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University.

Bringing extensive knowledge and experience to their roles as Mentors for the 2026-2027 Presidential Fellows are: Cheryl Matherly, Vice President/Vice Provost for International Affairs, Lehigh University; Kalpen Trivedi, Senior Vice Provost for Global Affairs, University of Massachusetts Amherst; Joanna Regulska, Vice Provost and Dean of Global Affairs, UC Davis; and Hilary Kahn, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Indiana University Indianapolis and Vice Chair of the International Center Board (Indianapolis).

The program gives Fellows a unique opportunity to gain knowledge from experienced international education leaders by observing firsthand how their Mentors operate within their institutional contexts, navigate complex challenges, solve problems, and make decisions that shape internationalization. Fellows receive a stipend to support a weeklong visit to the Mentor’s campus, allowing Fellows to immerse themselves in the day-to-day realities of their host institution and gain deeper insight into its policies, politics, procedures, and institutional strategy. Mentors are also encouraged to make a shorter visit to their Fellow’s campus, fostering a meaningful exchange and a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities each institution faces. Beyond the immediate mentorship experience, Fellows become part of AIEA’s lasting international network of peers and leaders, a valuable source of connection and support throughout their leadership journey. Participants are also recognized by AIEA and their home institutions.

AIEA congratulates the 2026-2027 Presidential Fellows and thanks our mentors for their continued commitment to cultivating strong, visionary leadership in international education.

About AIEA:

The Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) is a member organization that equips leaders to shape the future of higher education in a global context. AIEA advances strategic transformational approaches to internationalization of higher education; empowers those who lead such efforts; convenes global conversation on key issues; and partners with other organizations around the world to develop sustainable, forward-looking perspectives.

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