Staff Member Recognized for Service to International Education

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DeDe Long (Photo by M. Taylor Long)

DeDe Long, director of study abroad and international exchange at the University of Arkansas, was recently awarded the NAFSA: Association of International Educators Region 3 plaque for outstanding service to international education, recognizing her for “demonstrated outstanding performance of a sustained and serious nature, including projects and/or services of national impact.”

Sharon Gaber, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, commended Long for her years of skilled and knowledgeable service to the university. “DeDe has helped our institution navigate through years of adaptation to changes in study abroad and international exchange policy. She is our go-to person on this subject, and has provided invaluable service to us,” said Gaber.

Long has brought distinction to NAFSA Region 3 through her years of service at the state, region and national level. She has been a member of several NAFSA national committees and most recently completed a three year term on the NAFSA board of directors, serving as the vice president for public policy and practice. She is currently a member of the NAFSA board of directors governance committee. Beyond her service to NAFSA, she has been a national officer for Phi Beta Delta honor society of international scholars, is a Fulbright recipient through the international educator administrator exchange in Germany, and served on the selection team for the prestigious Open Society Institute scholarship program. 

The University of Arkansas established the office of study abroad in 1990 with only a handful of faculty-led programs and exchange opportunities available to students. Through Long’s leadership, the office now administers roughly 25 faculty-led short-term programs, 20 reciprocal exchange or direct enrollment partnerships and also coordinates a myriad of program options through consortia and other U.S. program providers. Over 550 University of Arkansas students studied abroad in 38 countries during the 2010-11 school year, and even more participation is expected this year.