Ruth currently serves in the Office for Global Engagement, where she plays a central role in advancing the University’s global engagement priorities. In her work, she supports strategic initiatives, coordinates complex projects, and facilitates collaboration across teams to ensure alignment with institutional goals related to global partnerships, global learning, and student and faculty mobility.

Prior to joining the URochester, Ruth worked in international development in Washington, D.C., supporting U.S. government–funded projects focused on economic development and political stability in Asia. Her professional experience also includes refugee assistance work in New York City and service with a non-governmental organization in South Africa. She brings a strong global perspective shaped by extensive international study and professional experience.

Ruth holds a B.A. in Political Science from Bryn Mawr College and an M.A. in Conflict Resolution from Georgetown University.

Please join me in congratulating Ruth on this well-deserved appointment.

Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, PhD
Vice Provost, Global Engagement
Professor, Warner School of Education

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Ravi currently serves in a senior leadership role in the Office for Global Engagement and previously served as Interim Vice Provost for Global Engagement from November 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. In that role, he led the University’s global strategy, strengthening international research partnerships, faculty exchange, global learning, student mobility, and support for international students. Prior to this appointment, he served as Assistant Vice Provost for International Services and Support at the URochester.

Before joining the University, Ravi was Director of International Student and Scholar Services at Northwestern University, where he contributed to senior-level global initiatives. He brings more than 30 years of experience in international education across a range of institutional contexts.

Ravi is a past President and Chair of the Board of NAFSA (2019–2020) and currently serves on the Public Policy Committee of the Association of International Education Administration (AIEA).

Please join me in congratulating Ravi on this well-deserved appointment.

Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, PhD
Vice Provost, Global Engagement
Professor, Warner School of Education

The post Announcement: Appointment of Ravi Shankar as Associate Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives appeared first on Office for Global Engagement.

For over a century, the Eastman School of Music has been a beacon of excellence in music education and performance. Building from its foundational pillars of artistry, scholarship, leadership, and community, Eastman has cultivated a diverse environment where music thrives not only within our halls but also reverberates beyond, enriching lives and fostering engagement. The school is renowned for its holistic approach to music education, integrating rigorous musical training with humanities studies, leadership education, and interdisciplinary experiences. This commitment to comprehensive education produces graduates who are not only skilled musicians, but also well-rounded individuals prepared to use their talents to influence and inspire communities around the globe.

Dean Jamal J. Rossi commented on the school’s ethos and its recent accolade: “The Eastman School of Music is a vibrant community where some of the best musicians in the world come together to make each other better. Our century-long dedication to the core values of artistry, scholarship, leadership, and community has served as the foundation upon which our alumni have built impactful careers in all aspects of music, and they have enriched the world through their music.  This recognition by the QS World Rankings reaffirms our commitment and mission to shape the future of music through artistic and scholarly excellence and innovative leadership.”

Jane Gatewood, Vice Provost for Global Engagement at the URochester, also remarked on the significance of this achievement: “The QS World Rankings’ acknowledgment of the Eastman School of Music underscores our global impact and academic prestige. This recognition is a testament to our faculty’s dedication and our students’ talent, reflecting our leading role in preparing the next generation of world-class musicians.”

This year marks the inaugural addition of the music category in the QS World University Rankings. The QS ranking for music schools is derived from comprehensive evaluations of academic reputation and employer reputation, which contribute 80% and 20% to the total score, respectively. Criteria such as research quality, strategic partnerships, innovation, and employability play pivotal roles in this assessment.

• For media inquiries and additional information, please contact:
  • Jessica Kaufman, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications jkaufman@esm.rochester.edu
  • Daniella Sussman, Director of International Communications GlobalCom@rochester.edu

The post Ģ����ý’s Eastman School of Music Recognized in the QS World University Rankings appeared first on Office for Global Engagement.

“At this momentous occasion, we celebrate individuals who embody our commitment to international collaboration and engagement,” said Dr. Jane Gatewood, Ģ����ý’s Vice Provost for Global Engagement, during the Global Engagement Champion Award Ceremony at Rochester City Hall. She presented the awards to Mayor Nathalie Appéré of Rennes, France, and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans.

The Ģ����ý Global Awards are comprised of three distinguished categories:

• Global Engagement Champion Award: This accolade honors individuals, including friends and alumni of the University, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to Meliora and have exhibited leadership in supporting the University’s global engagement, reputation, and excellence. This year’s recipients include Mayor Nathalie Appéré and Mayor Malik Evans.
• Faculty Global Excellence Award: Presented to a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in advancing global engagement through innovative projects, programs, or other internationally focused activities.
• Student Global Impact Award: This recognition celebrates students, including undergraduates, graduates, international students, and Fulbright Scholars, who have made significant contributions to our local and international communities through their studies, internships, or other forms of community engagement.

The Ģ����ý Global Awards will honor the diverse efforts of students, staff, alumni, and friends who have contributed to the broader global mission and impact of the URochester.

The establishment of the University Global Awards signifies an important milestone in the Ģ����ý’s commitment to global engagement and excellence. It underscores the institution’s dedication to nurturing a community of scholars and practitioners who are actively addressing global challenges and advancing positive change worldwide.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

• Sara Miller (smiller@ur.rochester.edu), University Spokesperson
• Office for Global Engagement

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