Congratulations to Kelly Dudley and Stephanie Urich from McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) for their selection as Education Abroad Faculty Fellows.  

They are among six Missouri State University faculty members from different disciplines who are part of the inaugural cohort of the Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program.  

It is an initiative designed to support faculty in the development, implementation and leadership of faculty-directed education abroad programs. It offers a dynamic learning opportunity to enhance global engagement, foster cultural awareness and create meaningful educational experiences for students. 

The fellows will join a series of interactive workshops to gain skills and resources for creating impactful global learning experiences. 

Going out into the world

Dudley’s and Urich’s participation will allow them to integrate global expertise into their teaching, giving students insights into international health care and human services. 

For Dudley, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, her passion for global education is deeply personal.  

“I’ve been dreaming of leading a study abroad program since I began teaching at MSU. I feel incredibly lucky to have been chosen,” she said. 

After growing up in Central America and living in Europe, Dudley understands how international experiences shape perspective, adaptability and human connection.  

“Traveling as guests in another country shifts our perspective, helping us experience human nature in ways we may never have before,” Dudley said. “I hope my students experience that same sense of discovery.” 

Urich, a clinical instructor in the School of Health Sciences, teaches DTN 345: World Hunger, where students explore the drivers of hunger and health impacts through service-learning and sustainability discussions.  

“I’m excited to integrate my experiences in Costa Rica to enrich course discussions while creating more opportunities for students to experience these global issues firsthand,” Urich said. 

And if there is one phrase that captures the essence of this journey and resonates with Urich, it is her favorite quote: “Food is our common ground, a universal experience” (James Beard).  

For her, “every meal is more than nourishment — it’s a bridge that connects people, cultures and hearts.” 

Why global learning matters 

The global health sector is a complex and dynamic field, rich with opportunities to create positive change.  

Health and human services are ever evolving and interconnected, highlighting that challenges know no borders. Addressing critical health issues like endemics, pandemics and health disparities requires collective action and innovation. 

For MCHHS students, global learning is not optional — it is essential for navigating pressing health care challenges.   

Dudley and Urich’s participation in the program will bring international expertise into the MCHHS classroom, enriching student learning with real-world insights. The exposure to different cultures, health care models and diverse perspectives will ensure students graduate ready to serve a global community. 

Program structure 

The Education Abroad Faculty Fellows Program will empower fellows to create education abroad experiences that promote cultural immersion and engaged learning. For the spring 2025 cohort, the program includes: 

• Four in-person workshops on key topics like academic planning, budgeting and cultural integration
• Two digital workshops for program planning, leading and marketing 
• Travel to Costa Rica from May 19-23 for hands-on training and different activities 

During the immersive five-day trip, the fellows will explore sustainability-themed content. This will train them how to incorporate sustainable practices into their future education abroad programs.  

“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.” 

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