International delegation visits
The university hosted distinguished visitors and delegations from the following institutions and organizations.
- China: Chinese Consulate of Chicago
- Colombia: Corporacion Universitaria Minuto de Dios (UNIMINUTO)
- Taiwan: Chinese Culture University
- Thailand: Prince of Songkla University
- Uzbekistan: Kimyo International University
Advanced MU relationships with international partners
International Programs guides the development and review of the university’s international memorandums of understanding initiated at the departmental, college and campus levels. MU has more than 130 active agreements with institutions in over 35 countries. During 2023/24, the campus IMOU Review Committee met regularly to review new MOU proposals and renewals.
In fall 2023, Provost Latha Ramchand led the Mizzou India Task Force to stimulate research collaboration between MU and Indian institutions. In February 2024, Dr. Rajiv Mohan and Dr. Mary Stegmaier participated in an IIE Leadership Delegation in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad where they met with representatives from the Indian and U.S. governments, attended workshops on partnership opportunities and visited universities. New collaborations have been established with Indian institutions as a result of the task force and the leadership delegation visits.
In 2023/24, Dr. Mary Stegmaier, vice provost for International Programs, visited the following current and prospective partners.
- Italy: John Cabot University, Florence University of the Arts, CEA-CAPA centers in Rome and Florence, IES Abroad center in Rome
- Kyrgyzstan: International University named after K.Sh.Tokomamatov, Jalal-Abad State University, Osh State University
- India: Indian School of Business, Mahindra University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Vellore Institute of Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Rajalakshmi Engineering College
International student recruitment
In addition to meetings and events with international partners, Dr. Stegmaier participated in an SEC recruitment program in Kenya and Ethiopia in October 2023. SEC senior international officers visited top high schools in Nairobi and Addis-Ababa and met with U.S. Embassy officials in both locations.
In Kyrgyzstan, Dr. Stegmaier participated in recruitment presentations at the American Corners in Bishkek and Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan, and at local universities and schools in the region.
Support for refugee students and scholars
Through generous donations from Veterans United and Mizzou 100 and community support, Mizzou has been able to support student refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine. In June 2023, MU International Programs was awarded $15,000 by the NASH Catalyst Fund to support the $mart Work Fund for Refugees program that provides career readiness workshops and on-campus work experience for refugee students. This program was launched in fall 2023.
From September 2022 through August 2024, MU welcomed an Institute for International Education Scholar Rescue Fund scholar from Russia who collaborated on research in the Division of Applied and Social Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Additionally, scholars at risk were hosted by the School of Law, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and School of Journalism.
Supported faculty pursuing Fulbright opportunities
As campus representative, Dr. Stegmaier provided assistance to MU faculty with their Fulbright proposals. In collaboration with Dr. David Crespy, MU Fulbright liaison, International Programs hosted two webinars on Fulbright opportunities for MU faculty members.
Three MU faculty members received Fulbright scholar awards in 2023/24:
- Dae-Young Kim, hospitality management | Spain
- Kattesh Katti, medicine | South Africa
- Bing Yang, plant sciences | India
Provided leadership to the MU Council on International Initiatives
The vice provost for International Programs chairs the MU Council on International Initiatives. Council members represent MU’s academic divisions and administrative units, advising the provost on priorities and actions related to international programs or relationships.
The council administers the annual MU International Engagement Awards to recognize outstanding work carried out by faculty and staff to internationalize the University of Missouri.
2023 award recipients
- Outstanding student contribution
- John K. Bonilla-Aranzales, doctoral candidate, Truman School of Government and Public Affairs
- Outstanding faculty contribution
- Antje Heese, associate professor of biochemistry, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
- Outstanding staff contribution
- Lindsey Saunders, associate director of international programs, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Updated 18-NOV-2024