Director of Study Abroad
Dr. Emily Rooney joined ACM-IAU in 2026 as the Director of Study Abroad, bringing over a decade of experience in international education and cross-cultural engagement. In her role at ACM-IAU, Emily oversees the study abroad operations within the U.S. office and serves as a primary liaison with partner institutions. Prior to joining ACM-IAU, she served as Director of Academic Programs and Services at a global education abroad provider, overseeing scholarships, academic accommodations, course evaluations, and school-of-record operations across the organization. Before that, she was Associate Director of International Programs at a mid-sized public university, where she advised students across the full scope of international education, from incoming international scholars to outbound study abroad participants. Earlier in her career, she spent 5 years living and worked in Spain. Emily received her BA in Spanish Language and Literature in 2015, followed by an MS in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs in 2022, and a Doctor of Education in Policy, Planning, and Administration in 2025, all from West Chester University. Her doctoral research examined accessibility in study abroad for autistic and neurodivergent students, and her related work has been presented at NAFSA's Region 8 Conference. Emily was a 2026 Finalist for The Forum on Education Abroad's InnovateEA Award and remains active in the field.
