TU study abroad staffer selected for national fellowship
Ogonna Owu chosen as one of 12 nationwide to participate in NAFSA RISE program
By Megan Bradshaw on January 8, 2020
Towson University Study Abroad adviser Ogonna Owu has been selected as one of 12 individuals in the United States to participate in the inaugural edition of the NAFSA: Association of International Educators' Representation, Inclusion, Support and Empowerment (NAFSA RISE) fellowship.
See the full list of NAFSA RISE fellows
“It's a perfect opportunity for me to grow in my career with the added bonus of personalized coaching and mentorship over a two-year period,” Owu says. “I'm most looking forward to gaining more leadership skills, networking and collaborating on our service learning projects, encouraging and supporting other international educators and creating a positive and long-lasting impact for the TU community.”
NAFSA RISE is a two-year development program that provides training around nine international education professional proficiencies, including international education. Through the fellowship, Owu will receive all NAFSA Academy benefits, such as the opportunity to attend the 2020 spring training meeting, NAFSA 2020 annual conference and expo and the NAFSA 2020 Region VIII conference.
The fellowship is the organizations new flagship diversity, equity and inclusion program and aims to provide representation of international education professionals from underrepresented minority backgrounds; ensure the inclusion of participants into established professionally recognized NAFSA programming and networks; support the continued learning and sustained engagement of participants as they establish themselves in their professional journey; and lead the empowerment of participants with resources and tools to help them give back to their institutions and communities, and the field at large.
This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: Diverse and Inclusive Campus.