Sheila Schulte takes over reins of Center for Global Engagement

As the new associate vice president for international programs, Sheila Schulte knows the impact an education abroad experience can have on a student. She is cognizant of this based on her own first-hand experience overseas.

Between her sophomore and junior years, Schulte traveled to Taiwan to teach English as a second language to elementary school children. She did it as a way to finance her college education like many first-generation college students.

"That was my first taste (of a different culture)," Schulte said. "And I thought 'Wow! I really want to learn more about this place, its history and the impact of its relationship with the People's Republic of China.'"

Since graduating with a master's degree in anthropology, Schulte has worked diligently to help U.S. students experience their own "A-ha!" moment with study abroad while tending to the needs of international students at U.S. colleges and universities.

"I would love for all students who have a desire to go abroad to be able to do so," Schulte said.

However, she knows not all students have the means to travel. Therefore, part of her job leading the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) at UNG is to find a way to bring the world to the students.

"It's our job to think about how we can build global connections without our students leaving campus, through curricular and co-curricular activities," Schulte said.

The new associate vice president has the experience to make this a reality. Before coming to UNG, she was the deputy executive director of leadership and professional development at NAFSA, the Association of International Educators. It is the leading organization committed to international education and exchange, working to advance policies and practices that develop global citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's interconnected world, according to its website.

Before that she worked in the international education field at Emory University and Georgia Tech, both in Atlanta.

Her professional goal, though, always was to return to a campus in a leadership position and manage an international education office. The position at UNG seemed like the ideal fit. Schulte was hired and started June 1.

"It was a bit of a homecoming to return to Georgia," she said, adding she lives in Dahlonega. "I spent 14 years here. I can reconnect with my international education contacts in the state of Georgia."

Schulte said she has been impressed with UNG since coming aboard and is looking forward to learning about UNG's culture, much like she learned about the Taiwanese culture during her first education abroad experience.

"For me, understanding and learning the culture of this university as a multi-campus institution and learning the culture of this region, its history and mission of the institution has been great fun," she said.

Billy Wells, senior vice president for leadership and global engagement at UNG, said the university was delighted to hire someone of her caliber and experience to manage the CGE.

"She brings a wealth of experience both from her time at NAFSA and her service at a number of prestigious universities including Georgia Tech and Emory," he said. "And her positive energy is making itself felt in the organization and across the campuses."

She also admitted she is delighted to be part of UNG's mission to be part of a global society.

"I'm delighted to marry the mission of the university with my international education background," Schulte said. "My hope is to further the strategy for international education here by working closely with faculty, staff, students, and campus leadership."