Page 16 Key Partnerships and Professional Development
Conceptualized and edited by Matthew Wells
Contributions by Paige Brake, Cindy Habara, Mei Han, Robert Summers, Matthew Wells, and Guanping Zheng
Welcome to the Middle Tennessee State University Office of International Affairs Annual Impact Report.
This is our fifth annual publication and, as such, highlights selected accomplishments and statistics from the 2024–25 academic year. In the current higher education environment, the Office of International Affairs at MTSU has continued to persevere and dedicate its time and talent to international education.
In the pages that follow, you will see a visual representation of the international footprint of the campus. In the fourth year of our new strategic plan, you will see how International Affairs has committed itself to a deeper, broader, and more equitable academic and student life experience. You will see the high-impact practices that improve completion, retention, and transfer rates.
You will see the work of the Office of International Affairs, which is a critical component of student success. The report reaffirms the significant international work that MTSU was able to accomplish.
I am extremely proud of the International Affairs team.
Provost
Affairs
We continued to support and guide students. We welcomed guests and hosted events for people all over the world. We have showcased our beautiful campus and remarkable academics to the world. I am lucky to work with such dedicated and talented individuals.
In closing, we are pleased with what we have accomplished in the past academic year. On behalf of my colleagues in International Affairs, I hope that you will enjoy our annual report and the picture that it paints. We sincerely thank every member of our community (in Murfreesboro, in Tennessee, in the U.S., and throughout the world) for the work described in these pages.
Thank you for taking the time to read our annual publication.
We are True Blue!
Robert Summers Vice Provost for International Affairs
Robert Summers
Vice
for International
Strategic Goals 2021–2026
I. WE WILL EQUIP OUR STUDENTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL ON AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL
II. WE WILL BE A COMMUNITY LEADER IN INTERNATIONALIZATION
III. WE WILL PROVIDE EXCELLENT SERVICE TO ALL STAKEHOLDERS
IV. WE WILL BE INNOVATIVE AND NIMBLE IN OUR INTERNATIONALIZATION EFFORTS
In 2024–25, MTSU International Affairs continues to keep our strategic goals at the forefront of our minds in everything we do. We equip our students to succeed on an international level by providing international experiences and services to support various programs, including English as a Second Language Nights, hosting classes at the Center for Chinese Music and Culture, and more. In addition, the office offers webinars, class presentations, internships, and graduate assistantships to both domestic and international students.
We also strive to be a community leader in internationalization both on and off campus by sponsoring and facilitating programming, such as International Welcome Week, ’Boro International Festival, and International Education Week, among others. All of these celebrate the diversity of MTSU’s community and support of international competency, acceptance, and empathy.
Supporting the University at large, the office continues to encourage the development of faculty-led study abroad programs. These programs are the most highly sought after by students who are interested in studying abroad, and faculty who are interested in planning and developing these programs might be able to receive funding from our office for their development.
Spotlight on International Student Enrollment
International enrollment increased nearly 5% over the Fall 2023 semester. Notably, this included a 19% increase in new international students from the previous year.
International Merit Scholarship
Following recent adjustments to our scholarship qualifications, we have experienced a significant surge in both the number and quality of international students receiving the International Merit Scholarship. In fall 2025, 1,189 scholarships were awarded, a 66% increase from the 713 scholarships granted in fall 2024. This growth reflects the success of our updated criteria and a marked rise in global interest, with application volume nearly doubling compared to the previous year.
Crucially, this increase in interest has been matched by student quality. Of the more than 1,400 students admitted for fall 2025, over 1,200 (85%) met the eligibility requirements for the International Merit Scholarship. This demonstrates our institution’s rising appeal among highperforming international applicants.
Notably, nearly 40% of scholarship recipients were awarded the $16,000 International Merit Scholarship, our highest tier, which requires a minimum GPA of 3.75. This signals a clear shift toward enrolling academically exceptional students and reinforces our position as a leading destination for top international talent.
Education Abroad
MTSU Office of International Affairs has expanded its program offerings for students. In 2024–25, ongoing collaborations with exchange universities are enriching both semester-long and short-term study opportunities. Many of our renowned faculty-led programs during the summer now include visits to partner universities, facilitating direct interaction between MTSU students, local students, and faculty.
From fall 2024 to summer 2025, a total of 273 students participated in overseas studies, representing all of MTSU’s undergraduate colleges. Jones College of Business led with 71 students.
Looking ahead, the Office of Education Abroad aims to boost participation across all colleges.
Notably, we see increases from 2023–24 to 2024–25 with Behavioral and Health Sciences (8.8%), Liberal Arts (1.5%), and Business (77.5%). We also had two students who participated in the Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching (COST) within the College of Education.
The majority of MTSU students who study abroad participate in our highly sought-after signature facultyled programs. In the 2024–25 academic year, 24 MTSU faculty-led programs took 228 students to 21 countries. These programs spanned the globe, offering diverse experiences in countries such as Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic,
France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, the UK, and the United States (Boston, New York, Washington, D.C.).
MTSU provides both short-term and long-term study opportunities for students. Long-term exchange programs allow students to earn a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, either through our exchange partners or by enrolling directly in a provider program. During fall 2024, 11 students studied abroad in the Czech Republic, France, Japan, Germany, the UK, and Thailand. In spring 2025, eight students pursued studies in the UK, Hungary, Italy, South Korea, and Spain. We had an increase of 300% for the full academic year participation.
In 2023–24, one student embarked on a full academic year abroad in the UK, and in 2024–25, we had four students who studied for an academic year in Japan.
MTSU also offers direct-enrollment options for short-term programs. In winter, four students participated in study abroad in the UK, Mexico, Spain, and Japan. During the summer, nine students studied directly in Cuba, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Uruguay.
The Office of Education Abroad at MTSU facilitates the enrollment of exchange students who study at the University for either a semester or an academic year. These non-degree-seeking students earn credits at MTSU that transfer back to their home institutions.
During fall 2024 and spring 2025, MTSU welcomed 44 exchange students from eight countries: Egypt, the UK, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, and Taiwan.
Scholarships totaling over $331,000 were awarded to MTSU students in 2024–25! Also, five MTSU students were awarded the esteemed Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in winter 2024/25 and summer 2025.
The annual Study Abroad Fair, held on November 20, was a highlight of International Week 2024. Featuring over 30 tables staffed by faculty leaders and provider partners, the event was highly successful. Students had the opportunity to inquire about study abroad programs, gather information, and receive travel-related swag such as stickers, pens, luggage tags, buttons, and other giveaways. Notably, the event featured major giveaways, including five education abroad scholarships totaling $1,250 and one flight scholarship valued at $2,000.
During International Week on November 18, 2024, International Affairs held the first Education Abroad Recognition Event in the Tom Jackson Building to recognize study abroad alumni from the previous year, as well as faculty leaders. We celebrated the achievements of students who took the bold step to expand their education internationally. Students from faculty-led and exchange/direct programs volunteered to present their study abroad experiences to the attendees. International Affairs is looking forward to the second recognition event in 2025.
Expanding MTSU’s Global Reach in Africa
MTSU is strengthening its global engagement with a focused push into sub-Saharan Africa, a rapidly growing region for international student mobility. The 2023/2024 Open Doors Report shows a 13% increase in students from the region studying in the U.S., highlighting its rising importance.
To build on this momentum, Guanping Zheng and Brian Priddis conducted a multi-country recruitment tour, visiting schools, attending education fairs, meeting with agencies, and speaking on local media. These efforts helped raise awareness of MTSU’s academic offerings and build trust with students and families.
In addition to recruitment, MTSU is expanding faculty-led study abroad programs in Africa, giving American students meaningful global learning opportunities and deepening the University’s international partnerships.
African Countries Represented on Campus
In addition to student recruitment efforts, MTSU is also deepening its engagement through faculty-led study abroad programs in Africa, providing American students with immersive global learning experiences. Since summer 2023 and summer 2016, respectively, Francis Koti and Aliou Ly have led separate signature faculty-led study abroad programs through Middle Tennessee State University that immerse students in the rich cultural and academic landscapes of Africa, their home continent. Koti’s program takes students to Tanzania, where they explore topics in Human Geography, while Ly’s long-standing program in Senegal focuses on history, with a strong emphasis on West African heritage.
These programs go far beyond the confines of a traditional U.S. classroom, offering students firsthand exposure to the dynamic cultural, social, and economic realities of African communities.
These faculty-led programs provide more than just academic credit; they offer life-changing experiences. Students return with a broader worldview, deeper cross-cultural understanding, and a personal connection to the places and people they’ve studied. Our Africa programs are academically rigorous, culturally immersive, and deeply transformative, vibrant journeys into the heart of African history, geography, and society.
The Office of International Affairs plans to build on the momentum generated by this tour through continued outreach, follow-up with new partners, and the development of scholarship opportunities tailored to African students.
Alumni Success
Rosemary Akharume
Rosemary Akharume serves as a project delivery analyst at Deloitte Consulting, where she supports multiple technology initiatives across various stages of the system development life cycle. Her role centers on applying project management expertise to facilitate the successful execution of complex projects, ensuring alignment with clients’ strategic goals and operational needs.
Looking ahead, she aspires to transition into a more strategic role, one that integrates project management with functional business analytics to inform high-level decision making and drive meaningful organizational changes. A key pillar of her professional development has been her academic background in Information Systems at Middle Tennessee State University. The program’s emphasis on project management, analytics, and business intelligence not only empowered her in her current responsibilities but also equipped her with the confidence and skills to explore new areas and expand her impact across the business landscape.
Sarah Oppmann
Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I made during my time at MTSU. Immersing myself in a new culture and experiencing student life in another country was truly transformative. Traveling independently, building a new community, and exploring a different university environment gave me invaluable life experience.
My time in the journalism program at the University of Salford helped solidify my career goals as a TV news reporter. I had the opportunity to collaborate with professionals at the BBC and produce my own podcast, skills I still rely on today.
Stepping out of my comfort zone and moving abroad without knowing anyone prepared me for the challenges of relocating for my first job. It gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities that could have felt intimidating before. I still cherish the memories and friendships I made abroad, and I encourage anyone considering studying abroad to take the leap!
Rosemary Akharume
Sarah Oppmann
On-Campus and Community Outreach
During the 2024–25 academic year, Middle Tennessee State University’s Office of International Affairs (IA) continued its strong commitment to on - campus and community outreach by cultivating programming that engaged both international and domestic audiences across campus and the surrounding area.
On campus, IA hosted a variety of cultural, educational, and social events, including the annual International Education Week; the ’Boro International Festival celebrating global communities through performances, food, and crafts; and a special graduation celebration for international and exchange students in May 2025 They also organized student success workshops, international seminars, and cultural excursions, such as visits to Rock City and Chattanooga for USAID Global Scholars, enhancing intercultural understanding and community involvement throughout the year. They also frequently participated in English as a Second Language (ESL) Nights at community high schools.
In the community outreach space, the Center for Chinese Music and Culture (CCMC) and Chinese Music Ensemble, led by Mei Han, held many events at their space and abroad. Over the summer of 2024, the ensemble made its inaugural performance tour in China, including a highly lauded concert in Beijing on July 17, where students like Jake Capistrant performed traditional pieces such as Haohan Ge and demonstrated proficiency in instruments like the suona, cello, jaw harp, and pipa. The tour, part of CCMC’s mission to foster global musical exchange, garnered significant attention and critical acclaim in Chinese national media. This landmark trip not only expanded students’ musical and intercultural competencies, but also elevated MTSU’s international profile, strengthening bonds between Murfreesboro and Chinese cultural institutions.
Collectively, these initiatives underscore IA’s mission to embed international perspectives across academic and extracurricular life, support a diverse student body, and enhance cultural inclusion, international competency, and meaningful global engagement across campus and the broader Middle Tennessee community.
International Research
During the past 18 months, faculty at Middle Tennessee State University published 584 peerreviewed papers indexed in Scopus, with 151 of those (26%) co-authored alongside international collaborators. This strong rate of global engagement reflects the University’s growing role in cross-border scholarship and its commitment to building a research community that extends beyond the United States.
MTSU researchers worked with colleagues in 58 different countries, forming a broad and diverse network of partnerships.
The most frequent international collaborations came from: China (45 publications) Australia (14 publications) Germany, Canada, and Turkey (11 publications each) Faculty also partnered with researchers in France, Malaysia, Poland, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and many others, demonstrating both the depth and range of MTSU’s international connections as the University collaborated with institutions from North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Europe
International Research Themes (n=151)
Business and Social Sciences
Health
The topics explored in these collaborative works covered a wide spectrum of disciplines:
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science – Joint projects with teams in China and Australia featured research in deep learning, neural networks, and big data applications.
Natural Sciences and Engineering – Faculty co-authored papers in chemistry, environmental science, and materials engineering, including research on sustainable energy and crop technologies.
Health and Biomedical Sciences – Collaborations in this area included work on metabolic health, public health data modeling, and intersections between AI and health care.
Business, Psychology, and Social Sciences –Projects addressed global issues such as financial ethics, behavior across cultures, education policy, and criminology, often involving partners in Turkey, Poland, and the UK.
Interdisciplinary and Global Studies – A few publications examined topics like diaspora communities, international education, and crossborder governance, linking faculty from multiple fields.
Key Partnerships and Professional Development
University of Stellenbosch Collaboration
In March 2025, Paige Brake, director of Education Abroad at MTSU, traveled to South Africa to attend the 2025 Stellenbosch International Academic Networks (SIAN) annual conference. In addition to participating in the conference itself, she also took part in the African Collaboration Workshop. Both events provided rich opportunities for dialogue, global knowledge exchange, and the development of strategic international partnerships.
As part of the conference, a study abroad fair was held in the vibrant Student Centre on Stellenbosch University’s campus. There, Brake connected with numerous students to discuss study abroad opportunities at MTSU, including both direct exchange options and graduate programs. The MTSU booth attracted considerable interest from Stellenbosch students eager to explore undergraduate and graduate study options in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Looking ahead, MTSU is particularly excited about expanding student participation in Stellenbosch University’s direct summer study abroad program, set to launch in summer 2026. MTSU students will have the opportunity to choose from three distinct programs: the General Elective Program, the Global ServiceLearning Program, and the Doing Business in Southern Africa Program. Each of these offerings includes lectures, group discussions, and an immersive field experience designed to enhance academic learning through real-world engagement.
Key Study Abroad
Partnerships
MTSU’s three most well-attended study abroad exchange programs are hosted by Université de Caen Normandie in France (110 outbound exchange), Kansai Gaidai University in Japan (94 outbound exchange), and Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz in Germany (72 outbound exchange). MTSU has maintained long-standing partnerships with these institutions for over 20 years. While students have the option to take non-language-based courses, language courses remain especially popular among foreign language majors and minors with these programs.
Kansai Gaidai offers Japanese language instruction from beginning to advanced levels, while Caen and JGU provide French and German language courses at the intermediate and advanced levels.
We look forward to continuing our strong and successful partnerships with these universities for many years to come.
Robert Summers, President of AIRC
In December 2024, Robert Summers, MTSU’s Vice Provost for International Affairs, transitioned into the role of president with the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC). He served as president-elect for a year, will serve as president for a year, and will then transition to past president. His commencement into AIRC’s 10-member Board of Directors underscores MTSU’s leadership influence in the ethical recruitment of international students.
Summers emphasized student-focused values upon his transition, recalling his own study-abroad experiences nearly three decades ago and the challenges he faced—“fears, apprehensions, and other challenges.” He described these memories as motivating his dedication to “studentcenteredness, advocacy, transparency, and ethicality in the international enrollment management field.” This aligns directly with AIRC’s mission to uphold integrity, standards-based practices, and community among its institutional members.
