Danielle Walters is excited to join the ETSU study abroad program and hopes to continue its growth.
Walters accepted the offer earlier in the summer and began the position this school year. “I could see that it was just such an opportunity to join an amazing team and to help grow a program that’s already really robust and significant,” said Walters.
Walters looks forward to working with Joan Doll, associate study abroad director, and Courtney Lucas, an education abroad coordinator. “They’ve been running the whole show. . . increasing the capacity of study abroad and making the opportunity available to so many more students”, said Walters, “They’ve grown the program so much, I’m in awe of them.”
With hopes to keep the momentum going, Walters will begin streamlining the department. Walters said her primary goal for the year is to make things more simplified and clearer so faculty can more easily create programs for students.
Walters said her mission is to create a space and environment that fosters global citizenship for students. “I want us to get us thinking bigger picture and thinking about the way that we fit into the world and how important it is that we all collaborate and understand each other,” said Walters.
Walters previously worked at Lincoln Memorial University as their director of international programs for three years. She said coming to ETSU from a smaller university has been an adjustment.
As she settles into ETSU, Walters is getting to know the faculty and the courses they want to teach students in various countries. Walters said, “It makes me so excited, It’s such robust portfolio of international opportunities.”
When asked, “Why study abroad?” Walters stated building empathy as one of the most important reasons. “When we have an impactful experience like that, that helps us realize that things are different in other parts of the world,” said Walters. “People are the same and have the same needs.”
