I’m pleased to share with you that I have named Annique Kiel as Executive Director of Global Engagement and International Programs at Drake. Annique has been filling the position in an interim capacity since June, and my decision to name her to the permanent position was based on extensive consultation across campus. Annique’s strategic mindset, leadership experience, and active role in moving Drake International forward makes her an excellent fit for this new position.

Annique has been with Drake International since 2010. Prior to June, she was director of Drake Administered Programs Abroad. In that role, she developed the overall program, which grew from four travel seminars and 77 students in 2010–2011 to 17 seminars with 274 students in 2015–2016. She also managed Drake’s strategic partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa, developed and oversaw the implementation of the risk assessment and risk management processes for international programs, and led workshops and development of intercultural competency among faculty, staff, and students. Most recently, Annique successfully led efforts to bring the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders to campus; Drake was one of just 36 institutions nationwide to be selected for this prestigious program. In addition, Annique is actively engaged in our campus community, serving on the Strategic Diversity Action Team, Women in Leadership Committee, Academic Affairs Council, and the Provost Search Committee in 2015 (to name a few). Annique received her bachelor’s from Central College and an M.A. in French Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

While the title of this role has changed from Vice Provost to Executive Director, Annique will continue to serve as the senior internationalization officer for the University, report to me, and sit on the Dean’s Council. Annique will work with University leadership to utilize continuous improvement as a means to infuse global and intercultural learning into the Drake experience, with an initial focus on reorganization of Drake International to streamline services into the following areas: Education Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services and Intensive English Program, and International Partnerships and Customized Programs. This new infrastructure will more efficiently and effectively support the University’s internationalization and global engagement efforts. The role will also maintain strategic oversight of The Principal Financial Group Center for Global Citizenship and the Nelson Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs. Look for a message in an upcoming OnCampus with more details about this reorganization.

Please join me in congratulating Annique for her outstanding service to Drake University, and supporting her in this new role.

—Sue Mattison, Provost