Center to boost global engagement opens

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Dec. 3, 2018) An associate provost has joined the California Lutheran University staff to oversee a new Center for Global Engagement and expand efforts to offer students international perspectives.

Christina E. Sanchez, formerly the associate director of the Office of International Programs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, took on the new Cal Lutheran position of associate provost for global engagement on Nov. 19. 

Sanchez oversees Study Abroad and International Student Services. These programs and the office of international admission were brought under the same roof with the opening of the Center for Global Engagement in October. The center will increase opportunities for the offices to collaborate, for instance by connecting international students with students who are studying abroad in their home countries. The reorganization is designed to centralize Cal Lutheran’s efforts to fulfill its mission to educate leaders for a global society. The center will have an open house Feb. 11.

Cal Lutheran wants to provide opportunities for global engagement to all students, not just to those who study abroad. To this end, Sanchez will coordinate visiting scholars, help faculty infuse global learning and cross-cultural competency into their courses, and explore possible new initiatives. 

“It is a pleasure and honor to be joining the Cal Lutheran community,” Sanchez said. “I am excited to work with faculty, staff, students and the Thousand Oaks community to strengthen and expand international initiatives that prepare student leaders to excel in a global society.”

Prior to joining the UNC Charlotte staff in 2011, Sanchez oversaw international program initiatives and services as the assistant vice president for university life at the University of San Francisco and previously served as the director of international student and scholar services there. She also served as the assistant director of international programs at James Madison University in Virginia, worked for Semester at Sea, and was the international graduate housing director at Kansas State University. She has lectured and written extensively on international education. 

Sanchez is past president of the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars and serves on the leadership team of NAFSA’s International Education Leadership Knowledge Community. She has a doctorate in intercultural communication from the University of New Mexico, a master’s degree from James Madison University and a bachelor’s from the College of William and Mary. 

“Dr. Sanchez’s passion for and extensive experience in international education make her an ideal leader to guide us as we expand opportunities for our students to gain a global perspective, which is crucial in today’s world,” said Cal Lutheran Provost Leanne Neilson.