Seven faculty and staff members from UC Davis are being recognized for their outstanding global engagement work with two key awards: the Chancellor’s Award for International Engagement and the Excellence in Teaching for Global Learning Award. These awards recognize the outstanding work of UC Davis faculty and staff in international education, research and service.
“UC Davis faculty and staff are deeply engaged in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, fostering global collaboration, and shaping the next generation of inclusive and innovative leaders,” said Chancellor Gary S. May. “Their commitment to international engagement, transformative research, and global learning strengthens our university and empowers our students. I am proud of their remarkable efforts and look forward to celebrating their achievements.”
The Chancellor’s Award for International Engagement was created in 2017, and the Excellence in Teaching for Global Learning Award was created in 2019. This year’s awardees bring the total number of recipients to 39.
2024-25 Excellence in Teaching for Global Learning Award
The Excellence in Teaching for Global Learning Award recognizes UC Davis instructors of the Academic Senate or Academic Federation who go above and beyond in designing and teaching UC Davis global learning programs. The College of Letters and Science recipients of this year’s award from the Academic Senate is Kathy Stuart, and from the Academic Federation is Eleftheria Arapoglou.
Kathy Stuart
Kathy Stuart is an associate professor in the History Department in the College of Letters and Science. She specializes in early modern German history and researches the history of crime and deviance. She is passionate about global learning and loves to guide students through their experience abroad, especially if it is their first time leaving the country.
Stuart has made significant contributions to global education through her design and leadership of the Vienna: Crossroads of Central Europe Summer Abroad Program. This program offers students an immersive experience in Vienna, where they explore historical landmarks, engage with Holocaust memorial initiatives, and work alongside local organizations like the Stones of Remembrance Foundation. Her innovative teaching style empowers students to engage deeply with history while enhancing their intercultural competencies. Through her dedication to teaching and mentorship, she has inspired students to expand their intellectual boundaries and pursue careers informed by a global perspective.
Stuart’s nominators shared that she “carefully designed and flawlessly orchestrated a program that maximized the experience of living abroad, combining intellectual rigor with cultural exploration.”
Eleftheria Arapoglou
Eleftheria Arapoglou is a continuing lecturer in the Department of American Studies in the College of Letters and Science. She brings expertise in global education, innovative pedagogy, and the fostering of intercultural competencies, empowering students to engage with complex global issues through critical thinking and collaboration.
Arapoglou has demonstrated exceptional leadership in global education at UC Davis, particularly for her significant role in serving on the committee that revised the Global Studies minor and co-leading the creation of the new Global Thinking course. Through her leadership and committee work, she has also influenced the direction of global education at UC Davis, enriching students' educational experience across disciplines and fostering cross-cultural dialogue that aligns with the university’s mission of advancing global engagement. Arapoglou’s colleagues and students praise her engaging teaching style and ability to build strong student connections.
Arapoglou’s nominators shared, “Professor Arapoglou finds the perfect balance of encouraging students to engage with their interests while also challenging them to expand their horizons.”
International Connections Reception
Chancellor May will recognize the awardees on Wednesday, March 12, at the 10th annual UC Davis International Connections Reception, hosted by Global Affairs. This event brings together the UC Davis community for an evening of networking and celebration of globally engaged faculty, staff and scholars. Global Affairs will also acknowledge the 2024-25 recipients of Seed Grants for International Activities and Grants for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals and participants in the Global Strategy Advisory Committee and Global Education for All Steering Committee.
"Faculty and staff play a pivotal role in expanding global learning, research, and engagement opportunities for our entire community," said Joanna Regulska, vice provost and dean of Global Affairs. "Their dedication to international collaboration and innovation is shaping a more connected and inclusive world, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions."
The International Connections Reception is open to the UC Davis community. If you are interested in attending, please register to attend.
This article originally appeared on the UC Davis Global Affairs website.
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