Haenicke Institute announces new senior director of International Student and Scholar Services
KALAMAZOO, Mich.-- The Haenicke Institute for Global Education welcomes Dr. Brian Childs as its new senior director of International Student and Scholar Services. Childs brings 18 years of experience in higher education administration to the role, most of which has been in international education.
He joins Western Michigan University (WMU) from California State University, Monterey Bay, where he worked for nearly a decade. There, he led the International Student and Scholar Services office and also served as director of student services and international enrollment management.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Brian Childs as the Senior Director of International Student and Scholar Services," says Dr. Ying Zeng, interim associate provost at the Haenicke Institute.
The Haenicke Institute’s International Student and Scholar Services unit is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support. The office works in collaboration with various university departments, such as academics, student affairs and housing, to promote international student success.
“This role is essential to building a supportive and inclusive environment for our international students and scholars,” Zeng says.
“Dr. Childs brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to fostering a global community on campus. His leadership and enthusiasm make him the ideal person to lead our International Student and Scholar Services team forward.”
Childs holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Fresno State University, where his research focused on racism faced by international students from India studying in the United States. He has also worked at Monterey Peninsula College, the University of California, Santa Cruz and Bowling Green State University.
Childs holds an MBA from Bowling Green State, where he completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies. His coursework concentrated on marketing and international business.
Outside of work, Childs enjoys spending time outdoors, playing with his children and traveling to new destinations around the world.
“I’m excited to join Western Michigan and to advance our efforts to support and grow our international student and scholar body from around the world,” Childs says. “I look forward to meeting our diverse community and learning how our office can best assist them during their time here.”
About
The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established in 1998, fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western Michigan University (WMU) community. Its offices assist more than 1,170 international students on campus and nearly 1,000 WMU degree-seeking students studying at partner institutions in China and Taiwan.
The Institute offers over 80 short- and long-term study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff in 30 countries around the world. It also hosts a variety of global learning events throughout the year to encourage a more globally engaged Kalamazoo. These initiatives include designing and promoting scholarship and academic opportunities; hosting lectures, panel discussions and events; and showcasing arts, entertainment and culture from around the world.
For more information, visit wmich.edu/international.