Saleha Suleman has been chosen to be Towson University’s new assistant vice president for International Initiatives, which comprises Study Abroad, the International Student and Scholar Office and Short-Term International Programs, among other services.
In this role, she is tasked with using her extensive experience in international education and global affairs to strengthen Towson’s overseas partnerships, foster global collaborations and build international programs for students, faculty and staff.
Photo courtesy of University of North Texas-Denton.
“I am delighted to join Towson University, which excels in offering quality academic programs as well as opportunities for service-learning and engagement with the local, regional, national and international communities,” says Suleman, who plans to launch a strategic plan to accelerate the internationalization of the campus.
“The primary goal of International Initiatives will be to develop an inclusive, diverse and culturally-enriched environment for our students, staff and faculty to promote the Towson 2020 Strategic Plan,” she explains.
“Many collaborative initiatives will be implemented, including the celebration of international education week, new study abroad sites, fundraising for scholarships for international students and study abroad students, bringing more visiting scholars to Towson, and providing opportunities for faculty for teaching and research abroad by fostering international partnerships in all parts of the world.”
Suleman earned her Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also holds an M.S. in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University and an M.A. in journalism from Punjab University in Lahore, Pakistan.
For the last six years, she served as the assistant vice provost for International Affairs at the University of North Texas – Denton, where she was instrumental in implementing UNT’s international strategic plan and policies. Before that, Suleman directed international services and programs at the University of Central Florida, Michigan Technological University and Metropolitan State University – St. Paul.
She has held several faculty appointments, served as an active member of numerous international organizations, and presented and taught on a variety of topics related to international education, women’s studies, intercultural communication, diversity and leadership.
“We are quite happy to have Dr. Suleman join us,” says Towson University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tim Chandler. “She brings a history of success in building and growing international programs, and she will play a key role in helping Towson’s excellent team in the Office of International Programs extend the university’s international and global initiatives.”
