Author: sbarcus

Megan (Arendt) Manning creates impact through cause-based communications

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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.

A born leader: UW–Madison alumnus Varawut “Top” Silpa-archa builds on legacy of public service in Thailand

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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 saw great things for Varawut, with his mother even nicknaming him “Top” as a young boy, because she wanted him …

Message from the dean: Celebrating spring 2023 graduates

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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 two of our international students who have blazed their own trails during their time at the university. Jiayi “Joy” Chen …

University of Wisconsin International Division dean named

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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 in the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development in their College of Education and Human Development. Vavrus has served …

Message from the dean: Exploring global connections

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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, I was able to connect with alumni and partners in both Taiwan and Thailand. In Taiwan, I explored internship opportunities …

Wisconsin in Washington: Jessica Kosmider forges a career in foreign policy

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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 dream a reality would be the challenge. Through educational opportunities, internships, mentors, and her own drive and willingness to explore …

A message from the dean: A tradition of service that continues with you

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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 Division frequently see this ethos extend even further—across international borders. While there are many people, programs, and activities that exemplifies …

A message from the dean: A welcome beginning to 2023!

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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 the possibilities that come with it. Last week I was able to attend the International Student Welcome and Information Fair …

A message from the dean

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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 my deepest thanks to the International Division staff for their work, their commitment, and their support over these years in …

Archit Gupta creates tax and financial tech gamechanger in India

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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 what he thought was a “fun problem” to solve. In short, the process was complicated and difficult, even for the …