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Vice Provost Gretchen Neisler Elected Member of the APLU Commission on International Initiatives

Gretchen Neisler, Vice Provost for International Affairs and Director for the Center for Global Engagement, has been selected to serve as a member of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) for the Commission on International Initiatives (CII) executive committee for a three-year term.

The APLU is a research, policy, and advocacy organization. It partners with 26 university systems including the University of Tennessee. The CII is to help public research universities develop international agenda responsive to the challenges of integrating global dimensions to teaching, research and engagement.

The CII Executive Committee consists of 14 members serving alongside the Chair of the Commission and Executive Chair. As a member of the executive committee, Neisler will aid in the development of new global opportunities and increasing engagement for global students and institutions.

“During the pandemic, Vice Provost Neisler’s leadership has been more important than ever to maintain international connections outside campus and support our international community on campus,” Provost Zomchick said. “Her membership on the APLU’s Commission on International Initiatives Executive Committee is both a reflection of her accomplishments and an opportunity for UT to continue to enlarge its global footprint.”

Neisler has served as Vice Provost for International Affairs since 2018.

“During my term on the executive committee, I am hoping to increase participation in the Commission on International Initiatives from APLU member organizations. I would also like to prioritize ways in which U.S. Higher Education can rebuild our image abroad, rebuild our partnerships with international organizations, and universities,” Said Neisler.

“My work with the Commission will not only allow me to showcase the good work we are doing at UT it will also enable me to learn best practices happening at other post-secondary institutions and bring this learning back to Rocky Top.” Neisler added.

To learn more about the APLU’s Commission on International Initiatives, click here.