Author: sbarcus

UW–Madison celebrates selection of 11 Fulbright U.S. Scholars for 2024–2025

The U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board have selected 11 scholars from the University of Wisconsin–Madison as Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the 2024–2025 academic year. These distinguished scholars will teach and conduct research in collaboration with institutions abroad, representing a wide spectrum of disciplines including astronomy, biology, communication sciences and disorders, …

UW-NU partnership moves toward a new era

The long-standing partnership between the UW–Madison and Nazarbayev University (NU) is entering a new era marked by leadership changes but with a continued commitment to collaboration. In June, Dean Frances Vavrus traveled to Nazarbayev University to celebrate its newest graduates and to sign a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NU. This agreement will guide …

Piyabutr Cholvijarn: A pillar of Thai education and economic development

It could be said that some people are naturally drawn to leadership roles. But in the case of Piyabutr Cholvijarn ’72, it would be more accurate to say that leadership roles are drawn to him. The economics alumnus has found success across numerous spheres, including the private sector, government, nonprofit, and education. Some of his …

Golden age advocacy

Many nations worldwide find themselves facing the challenges that come with an aging population. More than 30 nations are on track to becoming “super-aged” by 2030, with over 20 percent of the population over age 65. The United Nations projects that by 2050, the number of individuals aged 65 years or above worldwide will be …

Economic visionary Kang Seok-hoon reflects on his journey and leadership at KDB

Kang Seok-hoon (M.S. and PhD ’91) is one of the most influential figures in Korea’s economic landscape, currently serving as the chairman of the Korea Development Bank (KDB). After earning his bachelor’s degree in economics from Seoul National University, Kang pursued graduate studies in econometrics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His career has spanned academia, …

Leading South Korea’s innovation frontier

Tai Sik Lee’s (M.S. ’83, PhD ’90) career is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary expertise and leadership in science and engineering. A foundation in civil engineering from Seoul National University and advanced degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison have laid the groundwork for his roles as a professor at Hanyang University and as …

Forecasting the future

In a world brimming with uncertainty, Dr. Karndee Leopairote stands at the forefront of futuristic thinking, offering a beacon of insight in an ever-evolving landscape. Leopairote’s forecasts are not guesswork; they are rooted in data, facts, trends, and figures, bolstered by her reputation as a leader and scholar. As chief foresight and digital assets officer …

Cynthia Williams to retire after 30 years at UW

After an esteemed tenure spanning 30 years within the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s International Division, Cynthia Williams, international policy advisor and interim director of the Wisconsin in Washington internship program, will retire in August 2024. Since her appointment in 1994, Cynthia has held various leadership positions, overseeing projects, navigating policy landscapes, and driving new initiatives.  Notably, …

Message from the Dean–March 2024

The last month has been one of excitement and activity for the International Division. During the final days of February and the early days of March, we celebrated Peace Corps Week on campus. This has become a tradition for UW given our long history of service, our active Returned Peace Corps Volunteers community in Madison, …

Remembering Professor Emeritus David Bordwell

David Bordwell, the Jacques Ledoux Professor Emeritus of Film Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, died on February 29, 2024 at the age of 76 after a lengthy illness. A prolific researcher, dedicated teacher, and passionate cinephile, he guided countless colleagues, students, and film lovers to heightened awareness of the medium’s artistic possibilities.