Advisory Board

The College Advisory Board (CAB) serves as an advisory body to the Institute for American Universities (IAU), the study abroad institute of The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM). Comprised of senior leaders from select IAU partner institutions—including Senior International Officers, Directors of Study Abroad, academic administrators, and senior faculty members—the CAB provides valuable insight into emerging trends in international education. 

The primary role of the CAB is to advise IAU on matters related to study abroad programming, academic initiatives, student needs, institutional partnerships, and evolving practices across the field. Through their diverse perspectives and professional expertise, CAB members help inform the development of new programs and initiatives while providing feedback on existing offerings. Examples of the CAB’s contributions include providing instrumental feedback during ACM’s accreditation self-study process, sharing institutional data and emerging trends related to study abroad participation and student mobility, and helping shape IAU’s current summer program calendar. 

The CAB typically meets annually in person across select IAU’s campuses in France, Spain, and Italy, providing members with firsthand exposure to the institution’s academic programs, facilities, and strategic initiatives. Occasional virtual meetings may also be held throughout the year as needed. Members who are unable to attend an annual meeting are encouraged to designate a representative from their institution to participate on their behalf. 

A Provost Council (PC), a leadership subgroup comprised of longstanding CAB members, is also an active body. The PC works closely with ACM-IAU leadership to help develop annual meeting priorities and agendas, identify emerging opportunities and program initiatives, and support the onboarding and mentorship of new CAB members. 

 

Membership on the College Advisory Board is by invitation only. The CAB serves in an advisory capacity and does not have governance authority or fiduciary responsibility for ACM or IAU. Oversight of the institution, including its operations, academics, finances, and strategic direction, remains the responsibility of ACM’s Board of Trustees.

Jill Blondin, PhD

Associate Vice Provost for Global 

Initiatives

Virginia Commonwealth University

Joanna Holvey Bowles, MS

Director, Off-Campus Study

Colgate University

Sylvie Burnet-Jones, MA

Director, Education Abroad

University of Colorado Boulder

Grant Chapman, PhD

Assistant Provost for Int’l

Programs

Kansas State University

Charlene Chester, PhD

Assistant Dean, College of Liberal

Arts

Morgan State University

Jennifer Ewald, MA

Associate Vice Provost for Global

Strategy

Fairfield University

Erica Ferg, PhD

Assistant Professor, Religious

Studies

Regis University

Charlie Gbur, MA

Global Education Manager

The Ohio State University

Robin Helms, PhD

Vice President for Membership

and Educational Services

The Association of Community

College Trustees

Bruce Hitchner, PhD

Department Chair, Classical

Studies

Tufts University

Jack Hobson, MA

Dean of Int’l Programs

Loyola University Maryland

Sarah Huesing, MA

Director of Study Abroad

University of St. Thomas

Christina Isabelli, PhD

Associate Provost for Global

Engagement

Gonzaga University

Aimee Jones, MA

Director, Education Abroad

Colorado State University

Emily Kane, PhD

Director of Study Abroad

Longwood University 

Randy Kluver, PhD

Dean, School of Global Studies and

Partnerships

Oklahoma State University

Vanessa Kramer, MEd

Assistant Dean for Global

Programs

University of Arizona

Michael Lazzara, PhD

Associate Vice Provost for

Academic Programs and

Partnerships

University of California, Davis 

Debra Leahy, EdD

Associate Provost, Global Affairs

University of New England

David Lee, PhD

Assistant Vice President for

Curricular Operations and

Strategy

Southern Methodist University

Elaine Meyer-Lee, EdD

Provost and Senior Vice President,

Academic Affairs

Goucher College

Camila Nardozzi, EdD

Director, Office of Int’l Education

Harvard University

Eric Pierson, PhD

Professor, Communication Studies

University of San Diego

Tom Reichert, PhD

Dean, College of Information

and Communications

University of South Carolina

Deborah S. Reisinger, PhD

Associate Professor of the Practice

of French Studies

Duke University

Jose Sainz, PhD

Director, Center for Int’l Education

University of Mary Washington

Christina Sanchez, PhD

Associate Provost for Global

Engagement

Augustana University (SD)

Tynelle Steward, MA

Assistant Dean and Director,

Center for Education Abroad

University of Rochester

Janice Thomas, PhD

Director, Int’l Education

Brookdale Community College

Emelee Volden, MA

Director, Office of Int’l Education

University of Denver

Bo White, EdD

Director of Study Abroad

Baylor University