Office of the Dean

The Office of the Dean houses central leadership and administration for the International Division, such as budgeting, communications, external relations,  human resources, and safety and security. The International Division vice provost and dean and staff within the Office of the Dean serve key roles for campus:

  • Internationalizing academic research and outreach activities for the university
  • Guidance concerning issues on the national and international stage
  • Acts as clearinghouse for all official international agreements
  • Provides stewardship for international alumni
  • Hosts international delegations
  • Resource for international safety and security

The following units report to the vice provost and dean:

MEET THE VICE PROVOST AND DEAN

Frances Vavrus
Frances Vavrus, Dean and Vice Provost of the International Division at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

Vice Provost and Dean Frances Vavrus leads campus efforts to cultivate UW–Madison’s international scholarship and engagement, promote global awareness, and prepare students for a diverse and interconnected world.

Submit a request for event attendance or remarks

Key programs and events administered through the Office of the Dean

Fulbright at UW–Madison

Fulbright and Fulbright-Hays opportunities provide participants – chosen for their academic merit, commitment to learning, and leadership – with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. There are numerous programs available to undergraduates, graduates, alumni, faculty, and staff. Learn more.

Peace Corps at UW–Madison

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is #1 in Peace Corps Volunteers for 2017, 2018, and 2019. Since 1961, nearly 3,300 University of Wisconsin–Madison graduates have put their education and experience to work around the world in the areas of education, health, environment, community and economic development, agriculture, and youth in development. Currently there are 75 volunteers serving in 40 countries. Learn more.

King-Morgridge Scholars Program

The King-Morgridge Scholars Program is an exceptional opportunity for enterprising, creative, dedicated young adults committed to applying their talents toward poverty alleviation. Selected for their drive, academic success, and commitment to addressing problems of poverty in their own countries, King-Morgridge Scholars hail from countries in Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. They receive a full time, four-year/eight-semester scholarship to the University of Wisconsin–Madison that includes tuition and fees, on campus room and board, health insurance, airfare, and a stipend for miscellaneous expenses. Learn more.

Scan Design Foundation (SDF)Program

The Scan Design Foundation (SDF) Program is designed to foster Danish-American relations by providing support through scholarships and cultural activities to undergraduate and graduate students who have been accepted to study abroad. The SDF Program at UW–Madison has existed since 2010 with the generous funding of the Scan Design Foundation by Inger and Jens Bruun. The program has supported hundreds of students from Denmark on exchange at UW–Madison, as well as UW students studying abroad at Danish universities. For more information about how to get involved, contact scandesign@international.wisc.edu.

Scott Kloeck-Jenson Fellowship

In memory of Scott Kloeck-Jenson, a scholar dedicated to global peace and justice, the Institute for Regional and International Studies annually offers two awards: the SKJ Pre-Dissertation Travel Fellowships to support overseas travel to potential field research sites for doctoral students and the SKJ International Internship Fellowships to support graduate students (working towards a doctorate) interested in undertaking practitioner internships.

Wisconsin International Scholars Program (WISc)

WISc is an undergraduate honors enrichment program for students interested in global affairs, cultures, and languages. The goal of the WISc program is to build global competence and citizenship for undergraduates from a variety of disciplines and majors. We expect WIScholars to become leaders in their chosen fields and believe that a global perspective is an essential element of this leadership. Learn more.

J. Jobe and Marguerite Jacqmin Soffa Lecture

The J. Jobe and Marguerite Jacqmin Soffa lecture supports regular lectures on contemporary issues of global significance. For more than a decade, this fund has brought renowned women from across the globe to lecture and meet with classes. Holders of the lectureship have included well-known “grassroots” leaders in the struggle for human rights and international understanding. Learn more.

Mildred Fish-Harnack Lecture

The Mildred Fish-Harnack Human Rights and Democracy Lecture is an annual event designed to promote greater understanding of human rights and democracy, and enrich international studies at UW–Madison. The lecture brings to campus a person who contributes to the cause of human rights through academic scholarship and/or active leadership. Learn more.