Center for Global Engagement

Photo of four international students with a globe

Center for Global Engagement (CGE)

MC Center for Global Engagement logo

The Center for Global Engagement is committed to the principle that global experiences and perspectives are essential to any education.  To that end, we strive to provide opportunities for the Maryville College community to develop intercultural understanding, global perspective, and appreciation for the breadth, diversity and richness of human experience in its various social and cultural dimensions.  Reporting directly to the Dean of Academic Affairs,  the Center for Global Engagement works to lead, coordinate, and support the College’s strategies for global education, partnership and engagement. Our mission is to support Maryville College’s goals around intercultural understanding and the development of global competency in students, faculty and staff.   We are committed to integrating meaningful, sustainable global experiences (here and abroad) into the curriculum and campus life.  We strive to achieve this mission by working with other college departments, offices, groups and individuals to enhance the global learning environment at Maryville College.

Core Values

Whether we are talking about international students here in our Maryville community, or about students we assist with education abroad experiences, these core values shape our programming.

Global Education | Increasing awareness, knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures, people, global systems and issues

Quality & Affordability | Our philosophy is to find the highest quality of programs at a reasonable price.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion| Global experiences should not be just for the most privileged. We are committed to providing access to underrepresented populations and providing support to meet students where they are at.

Immersion| “Living like a Local” is about encouraging students to seek out their host community voices (here or abroad), challenges, and strengths as a part of travel plans. We seek opportunities to partner with organizations and institutions where students can engage with the community.

Sustainable Travel | Sustainable travel aims towards preserving the local communities, authenticity and resources of the destination you visit. It refers to three main aspects of the impact that travel has on communities and places: the socio-cultural, environmental and economic impact.

Student Centered | We care deeply about the well-being of all of our students. Our programs prioritize the needs and interests of students, and include students in the planning and delivery of programs and services.

Flexibility | Study anything that you want to study, whenever you want to study it!

Faculty & Staff

Kirsten Sheppard
Kirsten Sheppard
Director of Global Engagement
Will Doran
Will Doran
International Enrollment Counselor
Lori Schmied
Dr. Lori Schmied
Professor Emerita, Director Global+ Program
Olivia Stephens
Olivia Stephens
Education Abroad Advisor
Sara Venable
Sara Venable
International Student Advisor

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