MSU hires new director for study abroad office

---

Tweet

After an almost yearlong search, Brett Berquist was hired as the executive director of the MSU Office of Study Abroad Wednesday.

Berquist, currently the executive director of international programs at Western Michigan University, was chosen from about three dozen applicants, said Eric Freedman, assistant dean of International Studies and Programs. Berquist will start at MSU on July 15.

The search began last fall after former director Kathleen Fairfax left MSU to direct Arizona State University’s Center for Global Education Services and to be the associate vice president for global engagement there.

“I’m really looking forward to coming to Lansing and joining a really solid team,” Berquist said. “(I’m) going to be coming to a team of really solid professionals who really know what they’re doing and get to work with (the) largest program in the country.”

Berquist was one of three finalists who visited MSU earlier this year. Each of the candidates met with the Office of Study Abroad, International Studies and Programs and study abroad leaders.

The finalists also gave a public presentation about their vision of MSU’s future in study abroad. After the presentations, students and faculty could give their feedback to the committee, Freedman said.

Berquist said he will work to implement recommendations from a study abroad task force that reviewed MSU’s programs and issued a set of suggestions last fall.

Cindy Chalou, the current acting director of the Office of Study Abroad, said the office already started working on implementing the recommendations and it would be a top priority for Berquist.

“Most of the (recommendations) deal with quality issues and try to improve quality, options, cost effectiveness, integrating study abroad into curriculum on campus,” Chalou said.

“That’s what we think he’s going to focus on.”

Berquist’s experience as executive director at Western Michigan, his background with managing study abroad programs and his understanding of faculty issues were some of his strengths that stood out to the committee, Freedman said.

Although not involved in the selection process to hire Berquist, John Hudzik, MSU’s vice president for global engagement and strategic projects, said he has known Berquist for a number of years. He said Berquist’s experience will help him to succeed.

“I’ve known him for years, he’ll be very good for study abroad and will help carry us to the next stage,” Hudzik said.

Jeffrey Riedinger, dean of International Studies and Programs, said Berquist’s wide range of expertise was one of the reasons he was chosen.

“He brings a breadth of experience, both international and domestic-related, to study abroad as well as a background and proven track record in using information technology, from significantly improving the application process to how faculty and students interact in study abroad,” Riedinger said.

Berquist said he’s looking forward to starting his new job but acknowledged there will be a transition period.

“MSU is a big place,” Berquist said.

“I’ll need a little while to connect with people. The office has been operating for a year with an acting director — I’ll be talking with students, faculty and staff.”

Freedman said Berquist will be integral in increasing opportunities for MSU students to do international internships and research as well as in diversifying program opportunities for students.

---