The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM) and the Institute for American Universities (IAU) are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Emily Rooney as Director of Study Abroad. Dr. Rooney joined ACM-IAU in late August 2026, bringing more than a decade of experience in international education, study abroad, and cross-cultural engagement.
As Director of Study Abroad, Dr. Rooney oversees study abroad operations within ACM-IAU’s U.S. office and serves as a primary liaison with partner institutions. Her professional experience spans both higher education and the education abroad provider sector, giving her a valuable understanding of international education from both the university and provider perspectives. This breadth of experience will support ACM-IAU as it continues to strengthen its partnerships with colleges and universities across the United States and expand opportunities for students to engage in meaningful international experiences.
Dr. Rooney’s professional interests include accessibility and inclusion in international education. Her doctoral research examined accessibility in study abroad for autistic and neurodivergent students, and her related work has been presented at the NAFSA Region 8 Conference. In 2026, she was also named a finalist for The Forum on Education Abroad’s InnovateEA Award, recognizing her innovative contributions to the field. We are excited to have her expertise at ACM-IAU!
