SSA Themes List
Contact Us
Phone:
888.272.7881 (toll-free in US)
802.258.3212
TTY:
802.258.3388
Fax:
802.258.3296
PO Box 676, 1 Kipling Road
Brattleboro, VT 05302 USA
Contact us by email.
SIT Study Abroad Faculty and Staff
Senior Academic Staff
Maureen Powers, Vice President and Dean
Dr. Maureen H. Powers joined World Learning in April, 2008 as Vice President and Dean of SIT Study Abroad. She oversees all areas of SIT Study Abroad including academic programming, student affairs, enrollment and external relations, and global and financial operations. Dr. Powers most recently served as Dean of Students at Stanford University, where she was responsible for campus life for over 13,000 students. Prior to her tenure at Stanford, she served as the senior student affairs officer at five different institutions, including serving as Vice President for Student Affairs at The City College of New York where her responsibilities included student life, student activities, student services, financial aid, and athletics.
Dr. Powers brings extensive experience in the international education field, serving as the first Dean of Students at the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) from 1999 to 2004, and supervising international students and scholar services at other institutions. Her work in international education has included establishing best practices and overall standards of excellence in many areas, including health issues, parent relations, pre-departure orientation elements, risk management and reduction, staff training and development overseas and student safety abroad. A recognized expert on issues affecting students abroad, she has presented frequently in the US and abroad on international education issues and student affairs, most notably in the areas of health, safety, and risk management.
Laurie Black, Associate Dean for External Relations
Laurie Black received an MA from the School for International Training and a BA in Sociology and Rhetoric and Communication Studies from the University of Virginia. After an initial career in social services and research, Ms. Black entered the field of international education as a study abroad advisor at the University of Vermont. Ms. Black has worked with SIT Study Abroad since 1993, where she began as an admissions counselor and went on to become Director of Admissions and later Assistant Dean for External Relations.
Ms. Black is a member of NAFSA, served as the Vermont state representative, and has been a presenter on numerous panels and workshops at regional and national conferences. She is also a member of the Forum on Education Abroad, AIEA, and the advisory board for Abroad View magazine.
Ellen Holmes, Associate Dean for Programs
Ellen Holmes oversees the ongoing development of innovative academic programming at SIT Study Abroad. She uses years of strategic planning and program management skills to ensure smooth, efficient implementation of SIT Study Abroad's evolving academic portfolio.
Area Studies Directors
Directors of area studies provide oversight and academic leadership for programs and Academic Directors in each region.
Director of African Studies
Mary Lou Forward
With an MA in international administration from SIT, Ms. Forward has worked extensively in international exchange and study abroad program management. She is a former Academic Director for SIT in Madagascar.
Director of European Studies and Acting Director of Middle Eastern Studies
Jill Benderly
Jill Benderly holds an MA in Women's Studies and East European Studies from George Washington University. She has extensive experience living and working in Eastern Europe, particularly in the former Yugoslavia. She was Academic Director for SIT Study Abroad's program in the Balkans since its inception.
Director of Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Jose Alvarez
Dr. Alvarez holds a PhD from Arizona State in Latin American Culture and Literature. Previous to his work with SIT, he was professor of Spanish and Film Studies at the University of Georgia.
Academic Directors
Academic Directors lead SIT Study Abroad’s in-country staff and are responsible for instructional content, synthesizing classroom and field experience, and daily program operations. Academic Directors work closely with key program contributors and advisors to craft a curriculum and research experience that meets individual student needs. Academic Directors also teach the Field Study Seminar, plan educational excursions, and conduct orientation sessions, regular debriefings, and a final re-entry seminar.
Each Academic Director brings a unique set of skills and experiences critical to providing a rich study abroad experience for each student. Collectively, they have educational credentials earned both in the US and abroad, with degrees and research specialties in a wide range of disciplines. They include university professors, published authors, scientists, former Peace Corps volunteers, community activists, and others with extensive experience in education institutions and local and international nongovernmental organizations.
Information about individual Academic Directors is available on each program page.
Staff and Program Contributors
Each student group also benefits from the efforts of talented language instructors, homestay coordinators, seminar coordinators, and other local staff. Our Academic Directors rely on program contributors, workshop leaders, and experts within the community, who serve as lecturers, Independent Study Project advisors, and resources for our students. Our in-country contributors and staff, usually host-country nationals, provide vital connections and insight into the communities where students live and study.
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