Contact
International Studies and Programs
Michigan State University
International Center
427 N. Shaw Lane
Room 207
East Lansing MI 48824-1035
Office of the Dean
+1-517-355-2350
Office for International Students and Scholars
+1-517-353-1720
Website questions:
Driving directions (PDF)
Titus O. Awokuse
Vice Provost and Dean
Office of the Dean
Biography: Titus Awokuse (Ah-woe-COO-Shay) is the vice provost and dean for International Studies and Programs. He is also the Red Cedar Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Awokuse previously served as ISP's associate dean for research and strategic partnerships (2021-2024) and as chairperson in MSU's Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics (2015-2021).
Prior to joining MSU, he was chairperson and professor in the Department of Applied Economics and Statistics at the University of Delaware. His research interests and activities examine how international trade and food market liberalization policies enhance economic growth, improve food supply chains and promote food security in developing countries. He has published scholarly research papers in leading professional journals and his works have been cited in the popular press, including the Canadian Journal of Economics, Economic Letters, European Review of Agricultural Economics, Global Food Security, Journal of Comparative Economics, and World Development, the Economist and LA Times.
Awokuse is an internationally respected scholar who has consulted for national governments, international development agencies, non-governmental organizations and private businesses. He also made notable contributions to the agricultural and applied economics profession through his leadership roles and service on various committees, advisory boards and professional associations. He currently serves as an elected member of the Agricultural and Applied Economic Association (AAEA) and is on the Executive Board of the International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium. He served as journal editor of Agricultural and Resource Economics Review (from 2007-2010) and served as a member of the editorial board of several academic journals. He was former Chair of the National Association of Agricultural Economics Administrators (NAAEA) section of the AAEA.
Awokuse earned a Ph.D. in applied and agricultural economics from Texas A&M University.
Opal Leeman Bartzis
Assistant Dean for Global Learning and Innovation and Executive Director for Education Abroad
Office for Education Abroad
Biography: Opal Leeman Bartzis provides leadership for the Center for Global Learning and Innovation and units within the center, including the Office for Education Abroad, the American Semester Program and Exchanges, the Global Youth Advancement Network and the Japan Center for Michigan Universities. Opal chairs MSU’s Advisory Council on Education Abroad and the Faculty Learning Community for International Student Success and is a member of the Risk and Security Assessment Committee and International Strategic Enrollment Management Group. Prior to MSU, Opal held various positions over her 20 years at the Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University, most recently as Vice President for Academic Affairs and including three years as Resident Director in Ireland. She has served NAFSA in a variety of capacities, including Region VI Chair, Indiana State Representative, NAFSA Academy Coach, and currently as Co-Chair of the Peace, Justice & Citizen Diplomacy MIG. Active in the Forum on Education Abroad, Diversity Abroad, and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), she is a frequent presenter and workshop trainer at international education conferences. Opal earned her doctorate in adult, higher and community education at Ball State University with her dissertation on the development of culturally sensitive instructional practices through student teaching abroad. She also completed doctoral certificates in college and university teaching and community college leadership, and she holds an MA in history and Honors BA in German from Butler University. Her research and publication areas are inclusive pedagogy, global teacher education, academic ethics across cultures, appreciative advising, and sustainability in education abroad. She studied abroad in Switzerland, Russia, and Lithuania, and spends as much time as possible with family in Greece.
Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security
Cheryl Benner
Communications Manager
Office for Education Abroad
Biography: Cheryl Benner is the Communications Manager and oversees the marketing and communication activities for the office. She’s responsible for printed publications and digital communications, as well as event coordination, community outreach and student recruitment, including supervision of the Peer Adviser program and management of the Education Abroad Advising Center. Cheryl has co-presented at the local and regional levels on interactive media, education abroad for under-represented student populations, and the effective use of technology in student advising. She holds a BA in Advertising from MSU and brings almost 30 years of experience in outreach and marketing at a large public institution. When not on campus, Cheryl can be found cheering on the DeWitt Panthers, MSU Spartans and the Green Bay Packers and loves spending time with her family.
Angie Boldrey
Financial Services Coordinator
Office for Education Abroad
Biography: Angie Boldrey is the Financial Services Coordinator and responsible for overseeing the development, approval, and implementation of all program budgets. She works with program coordinators and directors, making sure financial needs are met before, during and after their program’s completion. Additionally, works to secure payments to vendors and assists with budgeting and reconciliation of the education abroad enrollment. Prior to arriving at MSU, Angie worked in business management at a local law firm, finance and data management at a political consulting firm, and many varied areas in the Michigan legislature. She holds a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and lives in Okemos with her husband, two teenage daughters and retired greyhound named Dude.
Nick Bowman
Systems Manager
Office for Education Abroad
Biography: Nick Bowman is the Systems Manager in the Office for Education Abroad and is responsible for the management of the enrollment management system, Via Global. In this role, Nick provides oversight, maintenance, troubleshooting, policies and procedures, training, and data collection/analysis/reporting related to Via Global. Additionally, he coordinates programs in the College of Education and assists the Marketing and Communication Team with student advising and events as needed. Prior to coming to Michigan State, Nick worked in Toyohashi, Japan as an educator. He holds a BS in Philosophy from Central Michigan University and brings more than 10 years of experience in different information technology roles. While not at work, Nick is an avid fan of board games, disc golf, and bicycling.
Jennifer Brewer
Assistant Director for Community Development and Partnerships
Partnerships for Sustainable Community Development
Biography: Jennifer Brewer has been leading the Tanzania Partnership Program (TPP) at Michigan State University as Assistant Director for Community Development and Partnerships since 2017. Her role centers on transforming strategic, sustainable community development proposals into actionable projects. These initiatives have significantly improved quality of life for over 10,000 individuals in rural Tanzania, showcasing her skill in steering complex interdisciplinary international collaborations and building effective multicultural teams. Before her tenure with TPP, Jennifer worked in International Studies and Programs coordinating international development grants and overseeing various international fellowship programs for students. Her efforts were instrumental in promoting global understanding and nurturing cross-cultural research opportunities, highlighting her commitment to international education and relations. Jennifer holds a Doctorate in Education Administration with a focus on Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, and a master's degree in Anthropology from Michigan State University. Her academic and professional journey, combined with extensive field experience in the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrate her dedication to creating sustainable change and advancing the mission of international education both within and outside the university.
