Office of International Programs inducts 11 Global Teaching Academy members and recognizes seven Global Medallion students

On April 26, the Office of International Programs (OIP) hosted a ceremony for the 11 newest Global Teaching Academy inductees to celebrate their collective accomplishments and contributions to enhancing Auburn’s internationalization efforts. The ceremony also honored seven students who completed the Global Medallion Program.

Created in 2014, the Global Teaching Academy recognizes and celebrates exceptional teaching in an international context. Academy members are also inducted into the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars. Since its inception, the Academy has welcomed more than 50 colleagues and recognized their efforts in internationalizing Auburn’s curricula and student experiences.

Congratulations to the 2024 Global Teaching Academy inductees:

• Lakami Baker, Russell Foundation Professorship of Entrepreneurial Studies, Harbert Global Programs
• Elvan Ceyhan, Professor, Mathematics and Statistics
• Muralikrishnan Dhanasekaran, Professor and Director of International Programs, Drug Discovery and Development
• Rochelle Johnson, Director of Diversity Education and Engagement, Office of Inclusion and Diversity
• Thorsten Knappenberger, Associate Professor, Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences
• John Morris, Professor, Political Science
• Wilmer Pacheco, Extension Specialist and Associate Professor, Poultry Science
• Imran Rahman, Associate Professor, Hospitality Management
• Claire Thompson, Assistant Clinical Professor, Nursing
• Peter Weber, Associate Professor, Consumer and Design Sciences
• Michael Zabala, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering

These faculty/staff members were selected for their accomplishments in international research and teaching and their commitment to internationalizing Auburn’s curriculum and student experience. The Global Teaching Academy plays an essential role in OIP’s biannual International Perspectives on University Teaching and Learning Symposium, set for June 2025, and strives to uphold these goals: 

• Recognize our peers for their interest and efforts in globalizing Auburn's curriculum.
• Facilitate international course offerings on campus to complement the recent growth of study abroad courses and exchange programs offered overseas.
• Create a supportive, interdisciplinary environment for students to internationalize their academic programs.

The Global Medallion is a micro-credential offered by OIP to students who wish to demonstrate their pursuit of a global mindset. Global Medallion students combine a study abroad experience with co-curricular activities and two courses to receive a one-year membership in Phi Beta Delta as well as a digital badge upon completion of the requirements.

Congratulations to the most recent Global Medallion recipients:

• Connor Baker
• Alison Brown
• Thomas Cunningham
• Paul Griffin
• Alex Puffe
• Trent Smith
• Matthew Waibel

Students interested in completing the Global Medallion may now register for the Global Mindset Orientation course (INTL 1500) and Global Mindset Capstone course (INTL 3980) being offered this fall.

Course details:

• INTL 1500 (1 credit hour): Tuesdays, 3-4 p.m. in Haley Center, room 2435
• INTL 3980 (2 credit hours): Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. in Haley Center, room 2454

Questions regarding the Global Medallion Program should be emailed to medallion@auburn.edu.