Three existing units consolidated into new Office of International Initiatives

In an effort to realize our strategic priorities of becoming an internationally recognized leader as well as provide service to global communities, Augusta University endeavors to create a campus culture that embraces diversity and international learning opportunities.  We recognize that in an ever-expanding world, it is important that our students, faculty and staff remain competitive by broadening their horizons.

To this end, Augusta University has consolidated three existing units, International and Postdoctoral Services (IPSO), Study Abroad, and the Confucius Institute into a single unit which will be named the Office of International Initiatives.  The Office will be aimed at expanding global opportunities for students, faculty and staff and be led by L.D. Newman.  Newman came to the Medical College of Georgia in 1997 as a member of the General Counsel’s Legal Office. In 2000, she founded the International and Postdoctoral Services Office (IPSO), which provides immigration services for the roughly 400 international faculty, staff and students at Augusta University. Newman’s title is Assistant Vice President for International Initiatives in recognition of these new responsibilities.

The Office is a department within the Division of Academic Planning and Strategic Initiatives, led by Dr. Quincy Byrdsong. Initial steps are the development of a university-wide internationalization plan for inclusion in future strategic plans and the establishment of a university-wide International Council, which will develop policies and procedures for moving forward with plans that fit within Augusta University’s strategic priorities.

We are excited about this important step for Augusta University and please join me in congratulating L.D. Newman in her expanded role.