FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDSU Provost Receives International Leadership Award

SAN DIEGO, Thursday, March 20, 2003 - San Diego State University Provost Nancy A. Marlin has won this year's Michael P. Malone International Leadership Award, the most prestigious international award from the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC).

"The award committee has recognized Dr. Marlin for her work in integrating international activities into almost all facets of university life. With her leadership and support, SDSU has, in just four short years, increased sevenfold the number of students studying and conducting research abroad," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. "It was Dr. Marlin's vision that established the Office of International Programs and the International Programs Council that led to the school's ranking as fifth nationally among doctoral institutions for the number of students studying abroad." *

Marlin said providing students with a global perspective is more important than ever. "I'm a strong advocate for the international experience, particularly in our current situation. There needs to be a better understanding of other cultures. The power of international experiences and the education garnered from them has proven to fundamentally change our students' lives," Marlin said.

Marlin has played an instrumental role in building internationalization into SDSU's programs and curricula. At SDSU, study abroad is now a requirement for certain degree programs, such as International Business and International Security and Conflict Resolution. SDSU's goal is for 30 percent of graduating classes to have international study experience as part of their education within five years.

Marlin has also initiated a peer-reviewed faculty grant process that provides resources to faculty members for international activities. Since 1998, the university has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants to 278 faculty members, allowing them to visit 51 countries for the purpose of generating programs and relationships that lead to student and faculty involvement around the world.

In addition, the number of students from other countries studying at SDSU has increased significantly. SDSU's number of international students has grown from 550 students in 1997-1998 to 1,430 students in 2002-2003.
"While this award means a lot to me personally, I need to underscore that it's based on the work of our faculty and staff who travel abroad in order to establish these types of programs for our students, so that we have a full array of opportunities to offer them," said Marlin.

The Michael P. Malone International Leadership Award is given to one provost and one dean each year. Purdue University's Dean in the College of Agriculture received the dean's award this year. Marlin will accept the award this July at the NASULGC Commission's summer luncheon meeting in Vancouver.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 62 areas and doctorates in 14. SDSU's more than 33,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to www.sdsu.edu.

Editor's Note: This statistic is based on the "Open Doors 2002" report generated by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

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