Biography: Chad Frost is the Senior Program Coordinator for the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU), overseeing all programming and activities in collaboration with staff and faculty in Hikone, MSU’s International Studies & Programs, and JCMU consortium partners. He also represents JCMU to external stakeholders, including government and private sector collaborators.

Chad’s passion for intercultural learning and the Michigan-Shiga relationship began at age 15 through the Michigan-Shiga High School Exchange and grew during his internship on the Michigan Boat via Lansing Community College’s Japan Adventure program. After transferring to Michigan State University, he studied abroad again through JCMU’s Summer Intensive Japanese Language program and earned a B.A. in East Asian Languages & Cultures with a focus on Japanese. Chad draws on his experiences as a first-generation college student, transfer student, and JCMU alum to support prospective and admitted students. He serves in leadership roles on the Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Strategic Communication at MSU.

Outside of work and studies, he enjoys walking his dog, camping, bowling, and spending time with family and friends.

Biography: Dr. Robert Glew is Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the Office for International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University.

Dr. Glew, a cultural anthropologist, has 30 years of experience working on issues of international development in the areas of coping and livelihood strategies, education, health, political and social change, and identity politics. He has co-directed successful collaborative projects with university, NGO, and governmental partners in Burkina Faso, China, Ghana, Iraq, Mali, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania. Dr. Glew also serves as the director of the Tanzania Partnership Program, and professor of international development studies at MSU.

Dr. Glew earned his BA and MA in African Languages and Literature from the University of Wisconsin—Madison and a PhD in Anthropology from Michigan State University. He has taught courses on international development, cultural change, and socio-cultural diversity. He also speaks French and Hausa and has studied Fulfulde.