Study Abroad Office celebrates 25 years at OSU, becomes Center for Global Learning
Friday, October 29, 2021
Media Contact: Lyn Putnam | Communications Specialist | 405-744-5496 | lyn.putnam@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University Study Abroad and National Student Exchange Office celebrated its 25th anniversary with a reception Friday, Oct. 29, as part of the OSU’s 100th Homecoming Celebration.
In addition to recognizing 25 years of education abroad programming, the office announced the expansion of its current iteration into the Center for Global Learning as part of strategic efforts across campus to increase accessibility for more OSU students in study abroad programs, global internships, research, and service learning projects.
In the 25 years since founding the office, OSU has sent over 15,000 students on high-impact global learning programs. Restructuring the office allows OSU to increase critical international partnerships and serve a larger population of students with branded programming abroad and courses designed to prepare students as tomorrow’s global leaders.
One of the high priority goals of the Center for Global Learning is to increase student participation in global academic programs to 25% of the total OSU student population by the year 2027.
In addition to high-impact learning for students, the Center for Global Learning plans to orient itself around significant global initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, a key strength of the university.
“As a land-grant university, OSU is dedicated to service,” said Jeff Simpson, director of the Center for Global Learning. “We want to help our students and faculty interact with and learn from communities around the world and engage in efforts that bring positive change to Oklahoma, the nation, and our world.”
Building on a long history at OSU of international engagement from its inception in May of 1996, the Study Abroad and National Student Exchange Office strives to improve and increase service to students, faculty, and the global community.
The updated identity of the Center for Global Learning continues this legacy.