UW–Madison alumna Megan (Arendt) Manning ’10 is working as associate communications director for Action on Smoking & Health (ASH)—a D.C. based nonprofit implementing legal and policy measures to end the global tobacco epidemic. International issues have long been an area of high interest for Manning, who is originally from Kenosha. She participated in Model UN in high school (representing Rwanda) before enrolling at UW–Madison, where she double majored in international studies and political science with a certificate in African Studies.
Steve Barcus
Story by Steve Barcus, International Division
A born leader: UW–Madison alumnus Varawut “Top” Silpa-archa builds on legacy of public service in Thailand
Story updated in March 2026. Varawut Silpa-archa was born with great expectations. The son of Thailand Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa, he grew up in a world of leadership and politics. Both his mother and father …
Message from the dean: Celebrating spring 2023 graduates
Congratulations to all Badgers who are graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison! There are many outstanding Badgers who will be receiving degrees, each with their own unique stories and accomplishments. I would like to highlight …
University of Wisconsin International Division dean named
Frances Vavrus has been named vice provost and dean of the International Division at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She joined the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 2008 and is a professor and associate chair …
Message from the dean: Exploring global connections
This past month afforded the opportunity the International Division, together with other UW–Madison colleagues, to explore new international engagements for the university while reinvigorating existing connections. As part of a small delegation of UW–Madison staff, …
Wisconsin in Washington: Jessica Kosmider forges a career in foreign policy
Jessica Kosmider knew early on she wanted to pursue a career in foreign policy, declaring the major during her second week as a UW–Madison student. Selecting the major was the easy part, but making her …
A message from the dean: A tradition of service that continues with you
One of the most hallowed traditions and values of UW-Madison, the Wisconsin Idea, holds that the benefits of the university should extend beyond the borders of campus to every corner of the state. The International …
A message from the dean: A welcome beginning to 2023!
It is with great pleasure that I greet you all in 2023! The new year is always an exciting time, but especially on campus as we also welcome the beginning of the spring semester and …
A message from the dean
As you know, in a couple of weeks, after ten years and one semester, I will be stepping down from my role as vice provost and dean of the International Division. I want to extend …
Archit Gupta creates tax and financial tech gamechanger in India
Navigating tax season can be a frustrating for anyone—well almost anyone. When Archit Gupta, M.S. ’08, listened as his father, a CPA in India, described issues with filing taxes for firms and users, he heard …