Haenicke Institute recognizes WMU leaders advancing global learning through study abroad
-Raymond Miller, Aviation Management major
KALAMAZOO, Mich.– Every year, Western Michigan University faculty and staff take learning beyond the classroom and travel with students to destinations around the world. Through WMU Study Abroad, faculty create opportunities for students to connect their academic studies with new cultures, communities and experiences. WMU Study Abroad ensures that all may learn through travel.
During the 2025-26 academic year, 47 faculty and staff guided students through 28 faculty-led study abroad programs in 20 countries across six continents. A total of 389 students participated in faculty-led programming, accounting for nearly three quarters of WMU Study Abroad travel.
Faculty dedication to creating immersive, experiential learning opportunities plays an important role in enriching students’ academic journeys, says Joe Milostan, director of study abroad and international enrichment at the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
“Our faculty and staff play an important role in creating meaningful international learning opportunities for WMU students. Their commitment to developing and leading study abroad programs strengthens academic experiences and supports WMU’s broader internationalization efforts. We are pleased to recognize their dedication.”
- Matilda McLean and Steven Sparks: Aviation in France; College of Aviation, 15 students
-Emma Simpson, Biology Major
- Maarten Vonhof and Devin Bloom: Tropical Biology in Belize; College of Arts and Sciences, 16 students
- Dr. Mercedes Tasende: Department of Spanish Program in Costa Rica; College of Arts and Sciences, 2 students
- Melissa Holman and Lisbeth Morales: Intercultural Communication & Ethnography in the Dominican Republic; College of Arts and Sciences, 12 students
- Viviane Ruellot: Besancon France; College of Arts and Sciences, 2 students
- Mariam Konate: History and Cultural Immersion in Ghana; College of Arts and Sciences, 6 students
- Steve Covell: Religion and Culture in Japan; College of Arts and Sciences, 9 students
- Patricia Montilla: Universidad de Burgos, Spain; College of Arts and Sciences, 14 students
- Dr. Pablo Pastrana and Jose Luis Resendiz Caballero: Spanish in Santander, Spain; College of Arts and Sciences, 9 students
- Dr. Mark Orbe: Culture, Communication and Community Development in Tanzania; College of Arts and Sciences, 10 students
- Steven Bertman and Paul Clements: Climate Action in Scotland; College of Arts and Sciences, 10 students
- Dr. Eric Archer and Donna Talbot: Exploring Leadership, Culture and Social Change in Albania; College of Education and Human Development, 14 students
- Mauro Andre and Joe Milostan: Educational Systems in Brazil; College of Education and Human Development, 9 students
- Lori Farrer: Teaching Internship in New Zealand; College of Education and Human Development, 10 students
-Hannah Templeton, Art major
- Dr. Ramona Lewis, Peter Thompson and Kelly Jensen: Seita Scholars Study Abroad in the Dominican Republic; College of Education and Human Development, 11 students
- Dr. Eric Archer and Nicolette Nelson: Modernity, Culture & Social Change in Singapore; College of Education and Human Development, 11 students
- Dr. Yuanlong Liu and Dr. Sangwoo Lee: Education and Health in South Korea & Taiwan; College of Education and Human Development, 9 students
- Jeffrey Abshear and Katie Mumby: Book Arts in Italy; College of Fine Arts, 11 students
- Pamela Wadsworth and Dee Sherwood: Health and Healthcare in Costa Rica; College of Health and Human Services, 20 students
- Dr. Maureen Mickus and David Renter: Innovative Models of Care and Support in Ireland; College of Health and Human Services, 15 students
- Dr. Jim Eckert: Business & Culture in Germany; Haworth College of Business, 21 students
- Dr. Russell Zwanka and Scott VanAvery: Food Marketing in Ireland; Haworth College of Business, 25 students
- Cari Burke and Kellie Carr: Global Sustainability Accounting & Reporting in Ireland; Haworth College of Business, 24 students
- Dr. Bidyut Hazarika and Dr. Duke Leingpibul: Business, Culture & Sustainability in Spain; Haworth College of Business, 24 students
- Dr. Duke Leingpibul: Business & Culture in Thailand; Haworth College of Business, 24 students
- Irma Lopez and Anthony Helms: Where the Streets Speak in Mexico; Lee Honors College, 10 students
- Jessica Parker and Alison Sprague: Organizational Structure & Communication in Scotland; Mertz Tate, 11 students
- Dr. Tim Palmer, Dr. Louann Palmer and Dr. Jessica Gladden: Business Sustainability, Social Justice and Education in India; Interdisciplinary Program, 22 student
Apply to WMU and Get Involved
More than 470 students at WMU studied abroad last year. Study Abroad programs are incorporated in most majors and minors and students travel to 30 countries, on average, each year. Apply today at wmich.edu/apply.
Want to study abroad? Browse the online program catalogue and prepare your application. Learn more about at WMU Study Abroad.
About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education
The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established in 1998, fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western community. Its offices assist more than 1,000 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration, student success and post-graduation job training.
The institute also facilitates short- and long-term study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff, and hosts a variety of global learning initiatives to encourage a more globally engaged Kalamazoo. This includes providing scholarship and academic opportunities; K-12 outreach; and showcasing arts, entertainment and culture from around the world. Learn more about the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.