Weishaar Appointed as Executive Director of International Affairs at SIUE
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Mary Weishaar, PhD and associate dean in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, has been named the executive director of International Affairs, effective July 15.
As executive director, Weishaar will provide University-wide leadership for all activities and initiatives that support the advancement of SIUE’s global mission. She will report directly to Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Parviz Ansari.
“Dr. Weishaar will bring her extensive background in internationalization to the position,” said Ansari. “She will work collaboratively with deans, members of senior staff, faculty and other University constituents to implement strategies that advance international initiatives in accordance with the academic affairs vision and the University’s strategic plan.”
“I am honored to lead the Office of International Student and Scholar Services,” Weishaar said. “I am excited about working with talented staff and faculty who share my enthusiasm for internationalization. I am a student-centered leader and will listen, discuss, provide leadership and develop consensus on difficult issues.”
Weishaar’s responsibilities will include strengthening SIUE’s study abroad program, promoting global industrial and scholarly partnerships and supervising international student services such as immigration matters, advising and cultural advancements.
“Students are most successful if they are able to engage in international experiential learning and work with people from different cultures,” Weishaar explained. “SIUE’s vision includes providing programs that empower individuals to achieve their full potential. In order to do that, students must learn to work collaboratively with a diverse population.”
Weishaar’s international experience includes participation in the development of the International Training Program in Pedagogy at SIUE, receipt of a Fulbright Scholar Award, the authoring of several publications, and extensive research and service learning activities.
Photo: Dr. Mary Weishaar, SIUE executive director of International Affairs.
