The Center For Global Engagement (CGE) is spearheading an effort to create a unified vision and strategy regarding global engagement for University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

To accomplish this goal, the Office of the Provost and CGE created the UT Global Strategy Commission, which includes various stakeholders from all 14 colleges across UT’s campus. The commission officially launched on August 27, 2024.

Built upon the foundations of the former Programs Abroad Council (PAC), the commission will continue to be instrumental partners with the Programs Abroad Office as well as increase its scope to other equally important aspects of international education.

One of the immediate benefits of the commission is its ability to serve as a communication conduit to raise awareness among the stakeholders and their respective campus homes of the high caliber global work that CGE, the colleges and other entities at UT are already engaging in.

“As the university continues to strengthen its commitment as a land-grant institution, it is vital that our colleges hold a unified global vision,” Gretchen Neisler, Vice Provost for International Affairs and Director of CGE, said. “This commission is an important step in elevating the university on the world stage in its dedication to supporting our researchers and creating internationally engaged students ready to tackle future challenges.”

Currently, the commission consists of 21 members, made up of global leads and globally-engaged faculty and staff selected from each of UT’s fourteen colleges, with Will Jennings, Associate Vice Provost for Global Learning and Impact, and Kate Scott, Director of the Programs Abroad Office, serving as co-chairs.

Jennings believes the committee will allow more unity among colleges in crafting interdisciplinary programs and research partnerships and building a consensus across campus on global endeavors.

During the August meeting, the commission discussed CGE’s newest unit, Global Security, Risk, and Resilience, which serves in monitoring global risk following government standards and prepares all UT travelers to navigate safely and with confidence.

The commission will next meet September 24, 2024. For more information, or to find your college’s representative, visit cge.utk.edu/ut-global-strategy-commission/.