Jennifer Engel, associate vice president for Education Abroad at Indiana University, was awarded the Education Abroad Leadership Award at this year’s international higher education conference.

Jennifer Engel holds a plaque recognizing her leadership in the field of education abroad. Photo provided by IU GlobalThe award is administered by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and recognizes those who have had a lasting impact on the field of education abroad over a more-than-15-year career. Engel was presented the award during the association’s national conference in San Diego in May.

“The Education Abroad Leadership Award is well-deserved recognition of Dr. Engel’s expertise and dedication — and of the leadership role that she plays not only here at IU but within the national higher ed community,” said Hannah Buxbaum, the outgoing vice president for international affairs at Indiana University. Engel will lead IU Global on an interim basis upon Buxbaum’s departure later this month.

The award is based on nominations from existing NAFSA members and is only available to those who have an exemplary record of publication, teaching, advising, advocacy, leadership or general service to the field. Only one person is honored each year.

Upon accepting the award, Engel shared her appreciation for the collaborative nature of the field.

“One of the things that makes international education unique — especially compared to some other corners of higher ed — is how deeply rooted we are in collaboration, sharing and mentoring,” she said.

Engel’s previous experience includes vice president for academic affairs and experiential learning at CIS Abroad, executive director of the Office of International Programs at Loyola University Chicago, and executive director of global learning at the University of South Carolina.

She earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy from the University of South Carolina, with an emphasis in international higher education and a cognate in anthropology. Her research interests include international and comparative higher education and the effects of American study abroad students on their host cultures.