From a podcast interview with Cheryl Matherly, Vice President and Vice Provost for International Affairs at Lehigh University

“International education is at the core of what a university is about—teaching, research, and service. It’s about bringing together the best minds from around the world to solve the big global challenges.”

Introduction

In this article, Cheryl Matherly, the Senior International Officer at Lehigh University discusses her unconventional entry into the field of international education, highlighting her career’s pivot points, such as her tenure at Rice University and several key international projects and grants. She illustrates how her background in career counseling has profoundly influenced her approach to her current role.

Cheryl delves into the significant role universities play as community anchors, emphasizing how international education can be integrated into the core functions of teaching, research, and service. The importance of utilizing data and forging community partnerships to bolster the perception and impact of international education. She underscores the necessity for SIOs to adeptly communicate the value of international programs to diverse audiences, including economic developers and entrepreneurial communities, to ensure the program’s sustainability and growth despite potential enrollment declines.

Key Takeaways

• International strategies should support university goals across all areas, not just exist as a separate focus.
• Universities act as anchor institutions closely tied to their communities, with international programs enhancing local economic and social ecosystems.
• NAFSA economic tool data shows the significant financial impact of international students on local economies, aiding advocacy for these programs.
• Effective SIOs need to communicate in a way that aligns with the goals of various community and institutional stakeholders to demonstrate the value of international initiatives.
• Collaborating with other university departments, such as entrepreneurship and innovation, can better integrate international education into the university’s strategic plan.

The Role of International Education in University Strategy

Cheryl emphasized the importance of integrating international education into the university's strategic framework. As the SIO at Lehigh University, she articulated that international education should not exist as a separate entity but should be woven into every aspect of institutional goals. By aligning global perspectives with institutional priorities, Cheryl highlighted how international strategies can advance the university's overall mission, ensuring that initiatives support its research, teaching, and service objectives.

Cheryl provided a compelling example of Lehigh's commitment to tripling its graduate enrollment, noting the crucial role international students play in achieving this goal. She stressed the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the entire ecosystem surrounding international students, including employability and regional appeal. By fostering an environment where international work is viewed as essential rather than marginal, Cheryl believes universities can create a more inclusive and impactful educational landscape that benefits both students and the community.

Leveraging International Students for Economic and Community Development

A significant theme highlighted by Cheryl is the economic and community development potential associated with international students. She emphasizes their substantial contributions, utilizing tools like NAFSA’s economic impact data to provide tangible evidence of these benefits. For example, she points out that international students at Lehigh University have created 673 jobs in the Lehigh Valley, demonstrating that these individuals are not just educational visitors but essential economic contributors who enhance the local economy.

Cheryl acknowledges the challenges some stakeholders face in recognizing these contributions. She shares an anecdote from her experience at Rice University, where she had to translate the value of international internships to a skeptical employer. By illustrating the hard skills and competencies that students gain through these internships, she was able to shift the perception from seeing them as mere leisure activities to recognizing them as significant professional development opportunities.

By effectively presenting clear economic data and narrating the added value that international students bring, Cheryl advocates for a more inclusive narrative. This approach highlights the vital role these students play as community members contributing to local and national prosperity. It also helps mitigate the perception of international education as a peripheral luxury, framing it instead as a necessity for regional development and growth.

Building Strategic Partnerships through Effective Communication

The discussion emphasizes the significance of building strategic partnerships both within the university and with external stakeholders. This requires understanding the diverse audiences involved and effectively communicating the benefits of international education in terms they can appreciate. Cheryl highlights the importance of translating the value of international initiatives to engage various groups and foster collaboration.

Cheryl explains her close collaboration with various university departments and external economic developers, specifically citing her relationship with the VP for entrepreneurship as a crucial partnership. They discuss the characteristics of a vibrant innovation ecosystem and how international students play a pivotal role in infusing new talent into this landscape. Through these alliances, she showcases how international students can drive innovation and venture creation, vital for regional economic growth.

To develop these partnerships, diligent effort is required to align international objectives with the goals of different departments. By illustrating how international students contribute to entrepreneurship and workforce development, Cheryl positions international education as a critical element of broader community and economic strategies. Effective communication and strategic data presentation are essential in these efforts, enabling SIOs to advocate for the economic, cultural, and academic advantages of international education and ensure its integration into university strategies.

Conclusion

Reflecting on Cheryl's insights, it becomes clear that the future of international education lies in its integration with broader institutional and community goals. Articulating the value of international initiatives in terms familiar to various stakeholders—such as economic developers, entrepreneurs, or academic colleagues—is pivotal. This approach secures the relevance and sustainability of international education while amplifying its impact, ultimately strengthening the ties between universities and their communities.

To catch the full interview with Cheryl, CLICK HERE.