KU News Release

KU names new associate vice provost for International Programs

Susan Gronbeck-Tedesco

LAWRENCE — Susan Gronbeck-Tedesco, director of the Office of Study Abroad at the University of Kansas, has been appointed associate vice provost for International Programs effective Dec. 28.

“In her 28 years at KU, Susan has demonstrated a vision for advancing KU’s international role,” said Danny Anderson, vice provost for academic affairs. “I know she will continue her efforts to bring additional prominence to KU’s reputation in internationalism.”

Gronbeck-Tedesco replaces interim co-associate vice provosts Thomas Heilke and Hodgie Bricke, who have held those positions since July 2007. The position of associate vice provost for international programs was created in a restructuring of the Graduate School and International Programs in April 2007. International Programs includes the Office of Study Abroad, the Applied English Center and International Student and Scholar Services.

“I thank Thomas and Hodgie for their leadership,” Anderson said. “They have ensured that programs flourished during a time of transition and consolidation.”

Gronbeck-Tedesco has been at KU since 1980 and has been director of the Office of Study Abroad since 2002. She holds a doctorate in film studies from KU and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa.

KU ranks seventh in the nation in the percentage of students who participate in study abroad programs before graduation, according to the annual “Open Doors” reports by the Institute of International Education. An article earlier this year in the Chronicle of Higher Education also touted the innovative methods KU employs to help students take their academic careers beyond U.S. borders.

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