Following a competitive search, Dr. Mark Kurt, Professor of Economics, has been selected as Associate Dean of Global Education at the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC).

The Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) is delighted to welcome Professor of Economics Mark Kurt to its staff as Associate Dean of Global Education.

Kurt is an accomplished faculty member who has been recognized for his success as a teacher, mentor, and scholar. He joined the Elon faculty in 2008 after earning his doctorate in economics from the University of Iowa. During his 13+ years with Elon, Kurt has been significantly involved in global education, contributing to study abroad, supporting international students through dual degree programs, institutional collaboration international community, program advancement and research.

Kurt was Director of the Dual Degree Program in International Business, as well as Professor-in-Residence for Elon’s Center in London, leader of 15 short-term study abroad programs from 2010-2022, and Fellow of Global Education Curriculum Committee.

It also impacted all institutions through the International Business Schools Partnership, a consortium of 13 universities in 10 countries, through the creation of the International Business Immersion Certificate and the organization of two conferences institutions focused on teaching international business in a global context. .

In addition to his work creating international opportunities for students, Kurt’s research has shaped the field of international education, with publications in peer-reviewed journals such as Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad and the Journal of Studies in International Education.

The appointment of Assistant Dean is a four-year appointment, with the possibility of an extension for an additional two years. Kurt began the role on February 1 and will move into the role full-time during the spring semester.

Kurt succeeds Associate Professor of Music and Education Matt Buckmaster, who served as the GEC’s first Assistant Dean of Global Education for six years. Buckmaster assumed the role of Executive Director of the Elon Core Program on January 1 and will continue to work closely with GEC staff and global programs where the Elon Core Program intersects.

“We have been incredibly fortunate to have the wisdom, expertise and leadership of Professor Buckmaster in the role of Associate Dean,” said Nick Gozik, Dean of Global Education. “He has helped move the University and the GEC forward by enhancing the quality and depth of overseas programming, developing a new set of global courses and providing faculty development opportunities, among many others. important initiatives.

“Although we will miss Professor Buckmaster in this role, we look forward to the arrival of Professor Mark Kurt as the new Associate Dean of the GEC,” said Gozik. “Professor Kurt brings a wealth of experience in a way that aligns with Elon’s upcoming global strategic plan, including his work with international students, dual degree programs, short-term programs and vocational schools. .”

Janelle Papay Decato, Associate Director of Global Short-Term Programs, and Olivia Choplin, Associate Professor of French, co-chaired the search committee. “We were all impressed with the caliber of candidates who applied and are delighted to welcome Dr. Mark Kurt to the GEC as Assistant Dean,” Decato said.

Other members of the search committee are Haya Ajjan, Eric Hall, Jennifer Platania, Andrea Sinn, Carol Smith and Kim Stokes.