Kira Espiritu, EdD

Kira Espiritu began working for IAU in 2024 as the inaugural Dean of Academic and Strategic Initiatives, where she strengthened IAU’s support of its study abroad partner institutions and their students. In 2026, she became Associate Vice President for Academic & Strategic Global Initiatives to lead institutional effectiveness efforts to align policies, processes, and practices across all programs and global sites while providing strategic guidance and support to Student Affairs leadership to ensure alignment with institutional goals and best practices. She also supports cross-site coordination for ACM Degree Programs, working in collaboration with the Provost, and oversees our marketing department, ensuring strong collaboration and alignment across our global operations. She also serves as the Director for the MA program in International Education Administration (MAIE), which is offered through IAU’s degree-granting institution, The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM). She received her BA in Psychology at Creighton University, along with an MA in Counseling and a PhD in Leadership Studies, both from the University of San Diego (USD). Kira had an impactful 24-year career at USD following her graduation, most of which was spent as Director of the Office of International Studies Abroad. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Provost of International Affairs. She has been very active in the international education field presenting regularly at conferences and serving in a variety of roles at NAFSA as Academy Chair and Coach as well as a trainer for NAFSA’s Trainer Corps and Management Development Program. She is also a member of the Forum Council and various conference planning committees, and has led numerous conference sessions at NAFSA, FORUM, and AIEA.