International Newsletter

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE NEWS

Faculty Explore Study Abroad Program Development at Title III Grant Workshop
Dr. Christina Kinney facilitated a comprehensive, full-day workshop for Kutztown University faculty interested in creating a faculty/staff-led study abroad program. The workshop provided participants with an overview of study abroad trends at KU, insights into program design, and practical guidance through reviewing case studies. Faculty members also began drafting proposals for their own study abroad trips, laying the foundation for enriching global experiences for KU students. This initiative underscores the university's dedication to expanding international opportunities through the support of the Title III Grant. The $2.2 million dollar grant focuses on provided high-impact practices and targeted student support services. Read more about the Title III Grant's study abroad goals here. 

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS MEDIA

KU to Host Visiting Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence
Kutztown University has been selected to host a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence from India to be a professor in the Department of Cinema, Television and Media Production during the 2025 spring semester. Dr. Manjula Srinivas, an expert in media and journalism at Flame University Pune, was selected for the Fulbright award by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Full News Release - University Relations

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE NEWS

Kutztown University Expands Global Recruitment Efforts 
This semester, Kutztown University's International Office launched an in-person international recruitment initiative to connect with prospective students worldwide. In August, staff participated in a recruitment India and also attended the prestigious IC3 Conference, followed by visits to Vietnam and The Bahamas in September. Staff returned to Vietnam in November to further strengthen ties and engage with talented students seeking higher education opportunities. In addition, the International Office participated in eight virtual fairs, engaging with students from Latin America, the Gulf Region, Thailand, The Bahamas, and beyond. These efforts reflect Kutztown University’s commitment to fostering a diverse and dynamic global student community.

Kutztown University Hosts International Visitor
Dr. Don Christian, Principal of a school within the Swedish bilingual system Internationella Engelska Skolan, visited Kutztown University to establish ties with the College of Education. The visit focused on fostering collaboration to enhance student teaching and study abroad opportunities.

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS MEDIA

President Hawkinson Announces Upcoming Retirement
The President of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, announced his upcoming retirement at the university’s 2024 Faculty and Staff Convocation and Celebration, Friday morning. Full News Release - University Relations

Princeton Review Ranks KU in Best Colleges 2025
Kutztown University has been included in the regional list in 22 consecutive rankings. Full News Release - University Relations

U.S. News and World Report Rankings 2024-2025 for Best Regional Universities
Kutztown University has been named a "Best Regional University" for 2024-2025 in the U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of U.S. colleges & universities. Full News Release - University Relations

KU, LCCC Enhance Transfer Agreement to Help Students Earn Degrees
Kutztown University and Lehigh Carbon Community College have strengthened their partnership by adding resources to allow students to seamlessly transfer credits between the two institutions to encourage students to complete a college degree. Full News Release - University Relations

ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting 2024
Kutztown University has been recognized by ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. Full News Release - University Relations

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE NEWS

Strengthening Partnerships in India
Dr. Carl Sheperis and Dr. Christina Kinney traveled to India to engage with higher education institutions closely affiliated with universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). The purpose of the visit was to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new partnerships, with a focus on establishing graduate recruitment pathways to benefit both Kutztown University and its international partners. This initiative underscores KU's commitment to fostering global connections and expanding opportunities for academic excellence.

New Staff in the International Office
Kutztown University is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Peter Rodenberg as the new Assistant Director of International Services. In this role, Mr. Rodenberg will focus on supporting international recruitment and admissions and providing comprehensive assistance to enrolled international students throughout their journey at KU. Mr. Rodenberg brings valuable expertise and a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from around the world. 

Kutztown University Expands Global Partnerships
Dr. Christina Kinney and Mr. Peter Rodenberg represented Kutztown University at key international conferences to strengthen and grow global recruitment efforts. Dr. Kinney attended the NAFSA Annual Conference in New Orleans and the ICEF South East Asia Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, connecting with prospective recruitment agents and university partners. Meanwhile, Mr. Rodenberg participated in the BMI Counselor Fair in London, UK, engaging with over 150 high school counselors and university representatives to enhance collaboration and support for international students. 

International Visitors from Germany!
In the spring, 20 German students from Reutlingen, Germany visited Kutztown as part of the Reading High School German-American Exchange Program. During their visit, they toured the campus and explored the German Heritage Museum.

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS MEDIA

$1.5 Million Grant to Collaborate with Rodale Institute for Regenerative Organic Agriculture Program
Funding will support student scholarships; internships; renovations to the university teaching greenhouse, adjacent to the newly built Nancy Jean Stump Seiger ’54 Botanical Research Center; professional development for students, faculty and Rodale Institute employees; farming equipment and land care. Full News Release - University Relations