Kristen Thornton, senior instructor of accounting in the Pendleton Family School of Accountancy at Missouri State University, is one of eight faculty members selected for the 2026 cohort of the Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program.

The group includes representation from each of the university’s colleges.

This initiative supports faculty in developing, implementing and leading faculty-directed education abroad programs. It offers a dynamic learning opportunity for them to enhance their global engagement, foster cultural immersion and create meaningful educational experiences for students.

“We’re thrilled to support these faculty members in their journey to create global learning experiences that not only enrich students’ academic careers but also foster greater global awareness and responsibility,” said Elizabeth Strong, director of the office of education abroad. “Through the Fellows Program, we aim to empower faculty to create programs that have a lasting impact on students’ education and personal growth.”

For Thornton, the selection is more than an achievement. It reflects a full-circle journey as both a former Missouri State student and now an educator committed to expanding global learning opportunities. She came to Missouri State in 2010 as an accounting undergraduate and later earned her master’s degree in the same field.

“My education abroad experience in Salamanca, Spain, in 2012 left a lasting impression on me. It sparked a long-term goal of leading a program one day,” Thornton said. “This fellowship felt like the perfect opportunity to begin that journey.”

Focusing on access

Thornton is working with Carly Asher-August, clinical assistant professor of management, to design a domestic program for students. It will focus on women-founded and women-led businesses, highlighting the role of women in leadership and other key business topics.

Starting domestically is intentional. Thornton wants to create opportunities for students who may face financial, travel or personal barriers to international experiences. By lowering those barriers, she hopes more students will feel empowered to study abroad.

Cultivating sustainability

With a sustainability emphasis, the Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program includes:

• A series of interactive workshops designed to connect fellows with essential education abroad resources and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop impactful global learning experiences
• An eight-day travel experience to Barcelona, Spain

Thornton looks forward most to working alongside faculty from different disciplines because it encourages new ideas and more meaningful learning experiences for students.

“I was excited to see that the program brings together faculty from across the university,” Thornton said. “We’re all part of a larger system and can learn from one another.”

Preparing students for a connected world

In today’s business environment, even local organizations are influenced by global markets and cross-cultural interactions. Thornton believes education abroad experiences help students build cultural competence while preparing them for real-world careers.

She encourages students to stay curious and open to new opportunities.

“Don’t be afraid to get more information,” she said. “There’s something for everyone.”

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