Jane Ann Williams has been named the assistant provost and director of international engagement at the University of Central Arkansas.
Williams, the former executive director of international education at Miami Dade College, began on July 16. She brings over 20 years of experience in international education.
While at Miami Dade College, Williams established the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Initiatives and the Confucius Institute. She also developed a dual diploma program in Latin America; served as the project director for the US-Indonesia Capacity Building Grant, the Community College Initiative Grant, and the Fulbright Gateway Program; established partnerships with numerous international institutions; and developed intensive English and leadership programs in the US and abroad.
Williams also served as dean of academic affairs and titled professor of Cap Cana Heritage School and Universidad Iberoamericana in the Dominican Republic. She also was the director of multicultural education, community engagement and outreach at Virginia Tech, which included all international centers and campuses. Williams has developed and led numerous study abroad and research programs throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
She received a Bachelor of Science in International Studies and Spanish from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree in Publication Design and Writing from the University of Baltimore and is completing her doctorate in Planning, Governance, and Globalization from Virginia Tech. She is an active member of the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA), a premier organization in global education, and is a frequent presenter at international conferences.
Williams, a former resident of Fort Smith, said her primary strategic objectives are establishing sustainable international partnerships that provide international teaching and learning opportunities; ensuring quality learning experiences on campus and abroad; creating a bridge between the private and public sector to increase scholarship, experiential learning, and economic opportunities among local and global stakeholders; and providing a welcoming campus climate which both invites and sustains international students, staff, and faculty.
“UCA’s mission creates the foundation for global citizenship,” she said. “UCA students will have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to succeed in a global community and economy.”
Williams added that it is important for the university to emphasize globalization and international education.
“We live in a knowledge based, globally interdependent economy where shifts in political, social and economic status in less developed and developed nations alike impact our communities and our nation,” she said. “UCA academic programs emphasize multicultural proficiency, global perspectives and technological fluency. As a public, state institution, UCA is meeting its civic duty to promote civil society through education and international engagement opportunities.”
“UCA will become an important resource for educators and business leaders in Arkansas and beyond as the university expands and shares its portfolio of international programs and projects,” Williams said.
Dr. Steve Runge, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, said Williams brings a wealth of experience to UCA.
“She has experience working and building partnerships with institutions throughout the Americas, in Europe and Asia. Her vision for diversifying our international engagement operations meshes well with our mission and vision at UCA,” he said. “I am thrilled to welcome her to our team and excited to see what the future holds for our international programs overall under Jane Ann’s leadership.”
For more information on UCA’s International Engagement program, visit https://uca.edu/international/
