Opportunities to engage in global learning will broaden as a new center is taking shape at Michigan State University. The Center for Global Learning and Innovation is designed to provide access to a variety of global experiences—some of which will transcend conventional ideas of global engagement. 

Led by Opal Leeman Bartzis, assistant dean for global learning and innovation and executive director for education abroad, the Center is intended to promote the benefits of global learning across campus, providing greater opportunities for collaboration between colleges and within departments and units, and offer structures for developing programs and innovations generated by the Spartan Global Learning Initiative. 

“Among MSU’s greatest strengths is its approach to global engagement. The Center for Global Learning and Innovation provides space and resources that will serve the campus community in ways that promote the use of global pedagogies and infusion of global perspectives into the curriculum, while supporting the development of new educational models, global learning research, and making connections between global learning and student success,” said Leeman Bartzis. 

“The Center will be guided by the ideas in the Spartan Global Learning Initiative, so we’re excited about the opportunities to come for the MSU community. We’ll be working together in new ways.” 

Global engagement is among the cornerstones that sets Michigan State apart from other research institutions. A national leader in education abroad, MSU is consistently ranked No.1 among public universities, No. 1 in service learning and No. 8 in the Global Employability University Ranking among U.S. public universities. 

The Center for Global Learning and Innovation will administer study abroad programming, including Education Abroad, Japan Center for Michigan Universities, American Semester Program and Exchanges, and Domestic Study Away. It will also support innovative global partnerships, faculty research and scholarship related to global learning and the Global Youth Advancement Network. 

“The possibilities for global learning at MSU are always growing. How we approach it through the Center’s creation is evolving, which is very exciting because that’s when we can get creative with existing frameworks and models—some will involve growing existing or establishing new partnerships,” Leeman Bartzis said. 

To learn more, read the FAQs about ISP’s Center for Global Learning and Innovation.