A Two-Week Trip, A Lifetime of Perspective A Global Stage for Pro Humanitate From Worrell House to the Good Life
Redesigning a Curriculum: One Divinity Student's Moroccan Inspiration
The Road to a Greener Future: A Fulbright Sponsored Solution in Namibia
The Global Compass: Navigating Project Management Across Cultures
The Wake Forest Biologist Who is Helping Save the Amazon
One Social Entrepreneur's Journey to Save the Tiger
Conferences Launched to Address Unique Needs of International Students
Paving Pathways: Increasing Enrollment of International Students Through Global Partnerships
Richter Scholarships Fueling Student Research at Wake Forest A Pro Humanitate Partnership Transforming Healthcare in the Dominican Republic Learning Inquiry Partnerships
Learning Global
A Two-Week Trip, A Lifetime of Perspective
For a group of Wake Forest University students, a two-week Community-Based Global Learning (CBGL) experience in Kenya with EDUAfrica was far more than a trip—it was an immersive exploration of urban development, women's empowerment, and global engagement. The spring course, developed by the Center for Global Programs and Studies (GPS) in collaboration with the Women’s Center, involved a two-pronged approach where students built context and community as a cohort in bi-weekly class sessions before culminating the course with a transformative travel experience that would challenge their perceptions.
Ella Jones, an undergraduate student studying history, education & society, and cultural preservation, had already studied African urban history and was particularly drawn to the program's focus on women's rights. She met women from all walks of life, including a teacher in a rural village and a woman who leads an HIV support group. These interactions helped her see political engagement in a new light, highlighting how Kenyan democracy operates differently from the American system. Jones noted how these experiences taught her about proactive leadership and the importance of community engagement. As she reflected, "Every day was full, but I left feeling invigorated rather than drained."
While in Kenya, students spent some time inside the classroom, but the program was designed with a true experiential learning component. Jacobi Gilbert, an undergraduate student majoring in mathematics, enjoyed the time spent attending a class with University of Nairobi professors and learning Swahili, but he also valued meeting with inspirational female leaders such as a Maasai woman sharing her story and a professional women's rugby player fighting for gender equity in sports. The students also visited organizations like Fikia Dada, which supports young women who have experienced trauma, witnessing firsthand the strength and determination of survivors.
Reflections were a key part of the experience. Christina Canon, one of the instructors, described an extensive debriefing process each day, which included both informal discussions on the bus and formal recaps after dinner. She explained that these were critical times of contemplation, where students took time to synthesize their experiences and connect them to their academic studies. The whole group would agree that the trip was a catalyst for personal growth. It's a testament to the powerful, life-changing lessons that happen when education moves beyond the university walls and into the world.
"Every day was full, but I left feeling invigorated rather than drained."
Ella Jones Undergraduate Student
Redesigning a Curriculum: One Divinity Student's Moroccan Inspiration
When it comes to learning, the School of Divinity takes a global approach. For graduate student and Wake Forest staff member Joshuah Campbell, this meant a trip to Morocco for the Fez Festival of Sacred World Music, an experience that would not only enrich his understanding of other cultures but also inspire him as he completely reimagines a long-standing Divinity School course.
Campbell traveled with his professor, Dr. Neal Walls, to attend the Fez Festival, a world class showcase of every imaginable instrument, tone, and style of movement. He also immersed himself in the local culture, exploring the city's unique medinas and experiencing the vibrant traditions of its Christian, Muslim, and Sufi music. This firsthand learning experience taught him a lot about North Africa's history and its unique cultural and economic dynamics. Not only did he enjoy the worship arts highlighted at the festival, he was purposeful about visiting artistic exhibitions in town, noticing African religious imagery, taking in the aromas of fresh cooking, and experiencing the sights and sounds of everyday life in Morocco.
This journey wasn't about just his cultural worship research with the Divinity School; it was a deeply personal experience. Campbell felt a connection to the local people, noting that, while he stood out as a tourist in many ways, his African American and Afro-Caribbean backgrounds helped him feel like he fit in and was a part of this culture at the same time. It was this curious sense of belonging that renewed focus on his academic mission - to pursue connection and engagement outside of his own immediate circles.
Coming out of this immersive experience, Campbell is tasked to rethink inter-religious engagement in terms of theology and art. He will revise a long-standing course, with the potential title Morocco and the Fez Festival: Religion, Music, and the Art of Common Life. The class will perfectly align with the Divinity School culture of fostering an inquisitive mindset. Campbell hopes that this particular global course and others like it will inspire students to ask “better questions.” His trip to Morocco is a testament to this philosophy, showing how the classroom can be found anywhere in the world and that true learning comes from direct engagement with the people and places around us.
The Global Compass: Navigating Project Management Across Cultures
"As a member of the military, I have had the opportunity to deploy to one foreign country, Qatar. Before traveling, we received cultural briefings designed to help us understand the differences between Western and Middle Eastern cultures. The customs in Qatar are quite different from those in the United States, and experiencing these differences firsthand was truly eye-opening. The concepts about time and communication covered in this module really reinforced my understanding of that experience."
Ben Elliott SPS Student in Project Management Program
At the Wake Forest School of Professional Studies, a new wave of business managers is being equipped with a skill set considered essential for today’s employee: cultural competency. In our global economy, it is important for team members to understand, appreciate, and effectively interact with people from cultures and belief systems different from their own. Dr. Denis Maier, a professor with extensive international experience, teaches an expanded Project Management course that goes beyond traditional business theories and tackles the challenges and complexities that often determine the success of international projects.
According to Professor Maier, “When working in an international setting, understanding and addressing cultural variables is important for Project Management to be effective. It helps managers avoid misunderstandings that can arise." In his research-based module titled “Effectively Managing Global Projects,” students delve into two specific concepts: time perception and communication style. Through real-world case studies and practical exercises, students examine their own biases and build sensitivity. They begin to understand how something as simple as a deadline or a casual conversation can be interpreted differently across a diverse group of people, possibly damaging relationships and even derailing a project. From there, students naturally begin to reflect on personal work experiences and explore methods for adjusting their approaches and strategies in the future based on cultural context. This unique classroom approach prepares students to harness the power of the global marketplace.
"There are only a few top economic nations that have a culture like the U.S. This shows me that to be more effective and have a higher chance of success, doing business globally requires a lot of patience and research. This also makes me think about how the U.S. is a cultural crossroads... If we learn more about these different cultures, it could facilitate efforts within the workplace and projects all around."
Brittney Jenkins SPS Student in Project Management Program
One Social Entrepreneur's Journey to Save the Tiger
S"What we can see, we can love. And what we can love, we will fight to protect."
Suyash Keshari
Social Entrepreneur & Photographer
uyash Keshari (‘18), a former Wake Forest international student, is a native of central India with wildlife of all kinds in his backyard. He has always had a knack for tracking tigers and getting to know them by appearance and personality. While he loved his home country and his tigers, he sought an international college experience and found Wake Forest in his search for a boutique university with a good sports program and a variety of classes. Keshari majored in Political Science and also took courses in film and photography. Upon graduation, he worked as an intern in the US House of Representatives in the areas of legislative affairs and political advocacy, assigned to help strengthen ties between the US and India. In 2019, he returned home and started a safari company called Ameliya Safaris, with the primary mission of protecting his beloved endangered tigers, of which only 3,600 remain in all of India - slightly up from a historic low in 2006 of 1,411. He treasures the opportunity to encourage his guests to develop compassion and empathy for these majestic animals through education and by protecting their habitat. In fact, he plants a tree for every safari guest!
This spring, Keshari was invited back to Wake Forest to speak to aspiring social entrepreneurs. He shared many experiences from growing his own business (which now
includes 11 employees), such as expanding his safari services over time and developing a photography/film component featuring virtual tours. He has also added new product lines of clothing and jewelry, with proceeds going to rescue and rehabilitation efforts. While on campus, Keshari used the opportunity to encourage Wake Forest students to find ways to interact with and connect with nature. He truly is the embodiment of his personal life motto: “What we can see, we can love. And what we can love, we will fight to protect.”
Keshari is making a global impact. Visitors from all over the world are coming to India to be guests on his custom safaris. Wake Forest has even been represented: the resident advisor of his freshman dorm recently visited, as did a honeymooning couple who are recent graduates. While not everyone can visit India in person, Keshari is sharing his photojournalism all over the world. He has even been recognized several times for his breathtaking images, including earning the prestigious “Nature’s Best Photography - Asia” award, after capturing a shot of a tiger cub making eye contact with the camera. It is inspiring to see a Wake Forest alumnus who has come through the Center for Immigration Services and Support (ISS) making such a significant global impact.
Inquiry Global
"Community engagement is a field that can help restore trust."
Allison Walker
Director
of Community Partnerships and Experiential Learning , OCCE
A Global Stage for Pro Humanitate
Wake Forest University's commitment to its motto, Pro Humanitate, is reaching new corners of the map. Recently, Allison Walker, the Director of Community Partnerships and Experiential Learning in the Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE) within Campus Life, traveled to Durban, South Africa to share insights at the IARSLCE International Conference, which is known for setting the global research agenda for community engagement.
As a panelist, Walker represented Wake Forest's dedication to fostering authentic and impactful community relationships. Her comments highlighted insights from the OCCE’s newest initiative, The Catalyst Journal, a thematic publication of original articles, essays, case studies, and creative works. For the inaugural issue, scholarly and creative submissions will explore the concept of “Sustaining Civic Joy in Challenging Times.” This journal is set to fill a unique gap by promoting community engagement research, especially within the Southeast, while also providing a public, open-access platform for students, scholars, practitioners, lifelong learners, and community leaders to share their work.
During her time at the conference, Walker also noted the diverse approaches to community and civic engagement from around the world, especially the ways in which different cultural contexts shape how communities and institutions collaborate. For example, in Africa international partners must understand that the concept of “Ubuntu” (the spirit of compassion and a “shared” life) is written into governmental documents and policies. And in Australia, it is expected that all collaborations honor the work of saving knowledge and valuing the wisdom of the continent’s indigenous population.
In Walker’s view, “Community engagement is a field that can help restore trust, especially in a global setting.” She leans heavily on one of the tenants of Empathy Research - to first notice what we have in common. Even though American institutions, including Wake Forest with its Pro Humanitate ethos, are often seen as models of global engagement, she emphasized that the future of this work will involve the best practices of being reciprocal, sustainable, and mutually beneficial. Her words serve as a reminder that Wake Forest's work isn't just about what we do, but how we do it—with integrity, humility, and a deep respect for the communities we serve, both at home and abroad.
"The opportunities are endless - we are limited only by our imaginations.”
Dr. Abdou Lachgar Professor of Chemistry
The Road to a Greener Future: A Fulbright Sponsored Solution in Namibia
It's not every day a university's vision for sustainability takes flight, but for Wake Forest University, the journey is well underway—and it's now reaching all the way to Namibia. At the heart of this global expansion is Dr. Abdou Lachgar, a renowned sustainability expert for the Department of Chemistry in the Undergraduate College, whose recent Fulbright experience became a powerful example of the university’s growing impact in Africa.
For ten months, Dr. Lachgar immersed himself in the young country of Namibia, a nation brimming with potential. His mission: to share his expertise in green hydrogen production and to teach research and presentation methods to a group of enthusiastic master's students at the University of Namibia. The vibrant landscape couldn't have been better for this environmental cause. Due to its ideal climate of endless sun, persistent winds, and vast open spaces, Namibia has established a national initiative on green hydrogen, positioning itself to be a major player in the global race for renewable energy. This agenda aligns perfectly with Dr. Lachgar’s pursuit of environmental sustainability and his desire to share knowledge and build skills in this field around the world. His hands-on, interactive teaching style was a novel and valuable
experience for the students, helping them to build skills and confidence as they seek to become thought leaders in this critical field.
The collaboration went even further thanks to a Richter Scholarship grant, which allowed undergraduate student Michael Huang to join the project. Huang researched hydrogen storage, while also sharing his passion for sustainable energy with other students. He hosted workshops, demonstrated green hydrogen production with a portable kit, and helped empower the students to make a significant contribution in the expansion of clean energy.
Looking ahead, Dr. Lachgar is hopeful that this work in Namibia is just the beginning of green initiatives in Africa for Wake Forest. Even as he prepares for phased retirement, he remains dedicated to fostering a lasting legacy of partnerships, especially where the advancement of pioneering technologies could be the launch pad for new industry leaders in smaller economies. According to him, “The opportunities are endless - we are limited only by our imaginations.” Without a doubt, Dr. Lachgar will be a model of innovation and collaboration, inspiring new efforts in sustainability on behalf of Wake Forest for generations to come.
Quinlan's work is a testament to Wake Forest's commitment to research that will make a global impact.
The Wake Forest Biologist Who is Helping Save the Amazon
Groundbreaking research isn't just happening in labs at Wake Forest University; it's taking root around the globe, especially in the lush, diverse landscapes of South America. Meet Ellen Quinlan, a PhD candidate in Ecology and Evolution within the Department of Biology in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, whose work is helping to shed light on some of the planet’s most pressing conservation challenges.
In her graduate dissertation research, Quinlan is pioneering the use of new genomic tools to determine population size estimates and plant diversity over place and time. She’s particularly focused on the Andes and Amazon regions, where she studies the trajectory of species in these mountain systems and informs conservation efforts. Her work provides a deep look into the past and present of plant populations, revealing why some species become rare and how to protect them.
One such species is the magnolia anthozana in Ecuador. This tree, identified only 20 years ago, is an unusually scarce species. Quinlan's research uses genetic analysis to determine whether the magnolia's population has in fact declined dramatically over time, or whether it has always
been hard to find due to naturally occurring rarity, providing crucial data that can inform conservation efforts and policy decisions.
Rare species are especially susceptible to extinction due to rapid changes in the environment. Quinlan studies how trees respond in ways that enhance resiliency during times of habitat transition. She has spent a good bit of her graduate time at Wake Forest understanding the different approaches to diversification over millions of years, noting how techniques such as hybridization and interbreeding have helped to ensure selfprotection and survival during ecological shifts.
Beyond the highly scientific data analysis, Quinlan aims to make her findings accessible to local governments and influential to national businesses. Both her individual work and her efforts within the WFU Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability foster vital partnerships in Latin America and highlight a strong tradition of cross-disciplinary collaboration. It's a testament to how Wake Forest's commitment to research extends far beyond the campus, reaching into the heart of global conservation efforts around the world.
Richter Scholarships Fueling Student Research at Wake Forest
Jamieson Nathan (MA ‘25), a graduate of the master’s degree program in psychology, is no stranger to the world stage. As an international student from Australia, he was a member of the Wake Forest men's tennis team that won a national championship. But his global journey extended far beyond the court into academic pursuits and involvement with the university’s Research on Abroad and International Student Engagement (RAISE) Center and the Richter Scholarship program.
During his time at Wake Forest, Nathan found a passion for research and was awarded the Richter Scholarship, which funded an independent study project in Sri Lanka with his mentor Dr. Eranda Jayawickreme, a Wake Forest psychology professor who specializes in trauma and mental health in that region. There, Nathan explored the applicability of the "Big Five" personality traits in a non-Western cultural context. His work highlighted a critical issue in psychology: the need for studies to be more representative of the global population.
Nathan speaks highly of his transformative experience and the support he received as
part of the Richter Scholarship program, which he considers a springboard into further international research opportunities. Following his trip to Sri Lanka, Nathan delved into research work with the RAISE Center, where he assisted with a project to better understand student experiences while studying abroad, helped to build out a database of related research from other educational institutions, and made preparations for the WISE Conference on Intercultural Learning hosted by Wake Forest Global Programs. In fact, his enthusiastic work at the RAISE Center helped inspire a new initiative to involve a wider range of students in research opportunities within Global Wake Forest.
Looking ahead, Nathan plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. He hopes to work in multiple countries, including Australia, with the goal of establishing a practice that transcends geographical boundaries. His story is a powerful example of how Wake Forest is finding exciting ways to incorporate students into the global research process and to inspire career-long curiosity in our alumni.
Nathan's work highlighted a critical issue in psychology: the need for studies to be more representative of the global population.
Partnerships Global
From Worrell House to the Good Life
Kaeley McMahan, a research and instruction librarian in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library, pulled back the curtain on a unique global opportunity in her career at Wake Forest. She participated in the FOCUS (Faculty Overseas Collaborating on Undergraduate Seminars) program, where she worked with a team of instructors from across campus to design a new first-year seminar with a cross-curricular, global emphasis. They launched the course development process with a week-long planning session at the university’s Worrell House in London and during that time were able to formulate the full syllabus for an interdisciplinary look at diverse interpretations of the “good life” from around the world. The first course offering, which took place in Spring 2025, was based on Eric Weiner’s book, The Geography of Bliss, with students leading discussions and crafting research proposals for fictional projects.
McMahan and her colleagues, Dr. Jerid Francom and Dr. Debbie French, were selected to team teach the course this past spring, while Dr. Christy Buchanan, Dr. Phillip Cunningham, and Dr. Keri Epps also participated and are teaching the course this fall. McMahan emphasized that time spent in the Worrell House through the FOCUS program maximized the power of collaboration because the instructors were able to fully immerse themselves in the process of course development. The location also offered unparalleled resources, allowing the instructors to take advantage of many global research opportunities in the international city of London. They explored comprehensive libraries, and specialized museums, and had access to numerous cultural events, which played a crucial role in the incorporation of a global perspective to the course.
Due to their time together at the Worrell House, these instructors became a cohesive team, and their cooperative spirit spilled over into the classroom. All three professors chose to attend every class, resulting in a true team-teaching approach. McMahan noticed the power of this kind of integrated learning experience for both students and faculty. Not only are students enriched with a cross-curricular perspective, but faculty have a valuable opportunity to build bridges across campus by engaging with their peers and exploring new ways of teaching. This teacherscholar model is a hallmark of Wake Forest University and one that will remain a priority within the Global FOCUS program.
The first-year seminar’s collaborative teaching model created an integrated learning experience for both students and faculty.
Conferences Launched to Address Unique Needs of International Students
The number of international students at Wake Forest has grown significantly, and with that growth comes a unique opportunity to build community and provide these students with the targeted support they need to succeed academically, socially, and vocationally.
This spring, the School of Business hosted two conferences for international students across campus aimed at celebrating the presence of our international community and assisting them with personal voice, professional development, and workplace representation. Both the International Excellence Symposium and the Latino Perspectives Conference are being celebrated as innovative and powerful campus partnerships.
The International Excellence Symposium debuted in April as an effort to create a space that celebrates the contributions of international students and provides practical support for their journey at Wake Forest and beyond. The conference was open to students of all majors and utilized international faculty and staff to help explore such topics as improving cross-cultural communication, leveraging “international advantages” with potential employers, and navigating uncertain times.
This new conference was created and led by Cherie Fu, Associate Director of the Master of Science in Business Analytics program, and Sally Perez Ramos, Associate Director of Market Readiness & Employment in the Office of Personal and Career Development. Fu, who has worked with international students for ten years, emphasized that the event's purpose was to empower these international students to take advantage of their uniqueness by highlighting their strengths and experiences rather than focusing on selfperceived shortcomings.
Perez Ramos, who also organized the successful Latino Perspectives in Leadership Conference, echoed this sentiment. She stressed the importance of conferences like these, noting how both events help international students navigate a new environment and maximize their college experience. With the positive feedback from both events, Fu and Perez Ramos are already planning for next year, with the hopes of expanding their efforts to include more students, faculty, and alumni and continuing to strengthen Wake Forest’s global campus.
Paving Pathways: Increasing Enrollment of International Students Through Global Partnerships
This year, the law school has successfully expanded its global presence by forging new partnerships with universities and organizations across four continents. Ellie Haag, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions for Wake Forest Law, has been working hard to customize a variety of international agreements as part of a strategy to diversify the student population and open up new pathways for aspiring legal professionals.
A new agreement with EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht in Germany has revitalized the student exchange program. The agreement, signed in August 2024, has already led to three JD students from Wake Forest heading to Germany and three German students coming to North Carolina in the fall of 2025.
In Vietnam, a new partnership with the University of Economics and Law (UEL) in Ho Chi Minh City has already yielded its first success. Thanks to this October 2024 agreement, Wake Forest Law welcomed its first-ever LLM student from Vietnam this fall. This collaboration also has a research component, with hopes of hosting a visiting scholar from UEL to complement Wake Forest's strengths in environmental law.
As of May 2025, the FIDERH-Bank of Mexico has pre-authorized loans for Wake Forest enrollees. This important partnership ensures quick approval of crucial loan and tuition support for Mexican students, who are not eligible for U.S. federal student loans and represents a vital step in making a Wake Forest legal education more accessible to students from Mexico.
Finally, Wake Forest Law established a new recruitment agreement with Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) in Ecuador, signed in July 2024. While it is still too early to identify its exact impact, the partnership is a historical first for the LLM program, and the law school remains hopeful for future enrollment. A similar agreement was also finalized with Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), a collaboration that will be strengthened by an October 2025 visit to PUCPR’s campus in Brazil.
A Pro Humanitate Partnership Transforming Healthcare in the Dominican Republic
O"When I became Chair one of the things I wanted to do was to have a global impact."
Dr. Dale Browne School of Medicine, Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology
ver the last two decades, two organizations committed to the spirit of Pro Humanitate, the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Hanesbrands Inc, have forged a unique global partnership that has transformed countless lives. What began as a surgical mission to the Dominican Republic led by Dr. Dale Browne has grown into a powerful humanitarian effort. He recalls, "When I became Chair [of the Department of Otolaryngology], one of the things I wanted to do was to have a global impact." Browne wanted to help people that do not have access to first rate healthcare and also inspire medical students and residents to expand that effort when they finish their training. That personal vision resulted in a collaboration between two local industry leaders powered by relationships, ingenuity, and persistence. A team of Wake Forest doctors, residents, and medical students travel twice a year to the city of Bonao to perform procedures that restore hearing and sight, and also address life-threatening conditions. Wake Forest provides the medical expertise, and HanesBrands, with its significant physical presence in the region, offers critical logistical support, from housing and transportation to volunteer staffing, surgical screening, and follow up. To date, this semiannual effort has completed 24 trips and
performed over 1,700 successful procedures, a testament to the power of shared purpose.
The program's impact in the Dominican Republic community is profound and lasting, providing a lifeline of essential care. The innovative health care model ensures patients receive crucial follow-up services through consistent return visits and strong relationships and training with local doctors. This approach has led to a foundation of trust and collaboration, demonstrating that effective global health work is not about shortterm fixes but about improving patient care through enduring physician partnerships and sustained healthcare systems.
The experience is equally transformative for the Wake Forest medical team. For students, residents, and doctors, this life-changing experience offers an invaluable global health experience and a new perspective on healthcare disparities. Witnessing firsthand how their skills can make a significant difference, Wake Forest students are inspired to become kind and compassionate health professionals who understand that they can make real change in the world. The program has become a powerful catalyst, shaping a new generation of leaders committed to serving humanity on a global scale.
Gauging by the Numbers: 2024-25
of undergraduates earned credit for study abroad
National ranking among doctoral universities
Source: Open Doors
International students
3,766 #4 59
Countries represented across all academic units 83%
Study away advising appointments
1,400+
Supported students preparing to study away
Undergraduate and Graduate Richter
Scholars Conducting Global Research
Summer/short-term faculty-led programs abroad
32
700+
Faculty, staff, and students supported for international travel through the GPS registry
RAISE Center Research Activity
23 17th 6 822
Incl: Projects, Presentations, and Publications
25 17 145 23
Students in CrossCultural Engagement courses deepening intercultural skills
233
International educators representing States & Annual WISE Conference Countries
Incl: DC, Puerto Rico
Years of the Flow House, marked with an alumni reunion in Vienna, Austria
GLOBAL
GAUGE
1834 Wake Forest Road Winston-Salem, NC 27109
global.wfu.edu
Global Wake Forest Leadership Team
Kline Harrison
Patrick Bingham
Jessica Francis
Nathanial Lynch
Leigh Stanfield
David Taylor
Vice Provost for Global Affairs
Director of the RAISE Center
Executive Director of Global Abroad Programs
Director of the ISS Center
Executive Director of Global Engagement & Administration
