Jordan Anderson, coordinator in the 91福利社 Center for Global Engagement, is among a select group of international educators who are NAFSA RISE (Representation, Inclusion, Support and Empowerment) Fellows.
Only 10 out of 140 international educators were selected from a nationwide application process in order to take part in the for 2022-2023. NAFSA RISE Fellows is funding a two-year professional development program for Jordan that promotes diversity within international education.
鈥淛ust realizing how amazing it is to be chosen and to feel as though I have what it takes to be on this fellowship for two years is amazing,鈥� Jordan said. 鈥淟ooking at the other applicants, it鈥檚 been phenomenal getting to know them. They are from different parts of the United States, so we鈥檙e really like a community.鈥�
At the 91福利社 Center for Global Engagement, Jordan鈥檚 job is twofold: He advises students on study abroad opportunities and he also helps 91福利社鈥檚 many international students with their onboarding process and assists them as they navigate a new culture and become part of the university community. Wanting to build his career in higher education administration, he feels that the NAFSA RISE Fellows will help him to open his career horizons.
Jordan received his degree in Mass Communication from 91福利社 in 2020 and is currently enrolled in the program at 91福利社. His first glimpse of 91福利社 came when he was a high school student taking part in Palmetto Boys State. Feeling 91福利社 was the perfect fit, he enrolled, and also was a member of the Trojan鈥檚 Men鈥檚 Track and Field Team.
RISE Fellows benefit from coaching from a seasoned international educator, increasing in their competency as an international educator through an individualized learning plan, training and networking and gaining knowledge and skills to prepare them to serve as an international education resource at their home institution. They benefit from a network of international education colleagues at the regional and national level to support them in their professional journey.
RISE participants receive all including the opportunity to attend three transformational NAFSA events, including the Spring Training Meeting, NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo, and a NAFSA Regional Conference. They also share their experiences gained through the fellowship via one of NAFSA’s publications and/or trainings, as well as give back to the field by being active in one of NAFSA’s volunteer leadership opportunities.
Ann-Margaret J. Themistocleous, Director of the Center for Global Engagement, a former NAFSA Leader, was honored by the news.
鈥淛ordan plays an integral role within the larger campus community. He is an immigration advisor for international students and in addition, he serves as a study abroad advisor within the Center for Global Engagement. As RISE Fellow he will have the unique opportunity to network with international educators on a global scale. We are proud to have him selected for the RISE Fellowship,鈥� Themistocleous said.
NAFSA RISE Fellowship welcomes applications from international education professionals from an underrepresented minority background.