UMA is proud to announce that President Jenifer Cushman has been invited to join the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) Presidential Ambassadors Council. This prestigious appointment reflects Cushman’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to advancing international education.
The AIEA Presidential Ambassadors Council includes visionary leaders devoted to advancing international education and building meaningful global partnerships. Cushman’s appointment highlights UMA’s role as a catalyst for positive change, reaffirming its mission to deliver transformative, globally minded educational opportunities that prepare students to thrive in an interconnected world.
Cushman, president of UMA since July 2023, brings over 25 years of higher education experience, including significant roles in international education. Her career is marked by a dedication to fostering global engagement and creating opportunities for students and faculty to participate in international initiatives.
Prior to her tenure at UMA, Cushman served as chancellor of Penn State Beaver from 2016-2023. During this period, she launched the Experiential Digital Global Engagement (EDGE) program, a project-based international virtual exchange initiative adapted from the State University of New York’s Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program. This program has been instrumental in promoting cross-cultural collaboration and enhancing global learning opportunities for students.
Cushman’s leadership in international education is further exemplified by her previous roles, including serving as dean of international education at Juniata College from 2007-2014, where she was instrumental in integrating global learning into the curriculum. She has also been actively involved with AIEA, serving as president in 2015 and as an elected member of the Executive Council from 2013-2016.
Congratulations, President Cushman, on this significant achievement! We look forward to the continued growth and development of international education initiatives under your visionary leadership.