Savannah State University’s International Education Center has been chosen for one of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Excellence and Innovation Awards. This awards program, now in its fifth year, honors AASCU member institutions for excellence and innovation in several major areas of campus life and leadership: regional and economic development, student success and college completion, sustainability and sustainable development, teacher education, international education, and leadership development and diversity.

Focused on creating global citizens, IEC has advanced curriculum development, fostered international opportunities and creatively integrated international students into the university community. The project added international dimensions into SSU courses and the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System; revitalized study abroad and exchange programs; diversified the campus community by recruiting international students; developed a Peace Corps Prep program; promoted the Model United Nations and Model African Union programs; and established programs such as the English Language Institute, the Confucius Institute and the Center for the Study of African Diaspora to enhance the global awareness and knowledge of SSU students.

“We are privileged to honor programs that can serve as an inspiration to all of higher education,” said AASCU President Mildred García.

Winning entries needed to show evidence that the initiative had top-level administrative support, connected with an institution’s mission and strategic agenda, contributed to significant institutional improvements or programming, was grounded in research, and incorporated best practices. The awards will be presented October 28 at the opening session of AASCU’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C.