Contact: Sid Salter

STARKVILLE, Miss.—An experienced Mississippi State leader and director has been appointed interim associate vice president for international programs and interim executive director of the university’s International Institute beginning today [Oct. 16]. 

The announcement naming Julie Jordan to the interim role was made jointly by Provost and Executive Vice President Judith L. “Judy” Bonner, Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Greg Bohach, and Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Shaw. The International Institute reports to all three units. 

“We appreciate Dr. Jordan’s leadership during the interim period and have every confidence that she will provide exemplary service to the International Institute and its mission,” Bonner said.

Bohach said that he is “excited about Dr. Jordan coming on board and is well aware of her leadership abilities and experiences globally. The Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine is very active in international collaborations regarding research, Extension and teaching.”

Jordan has served as director of MSU’s Research and Curriculum Unit for Workforce Development, Vocational and Technical Education for the past seven years. In this role, she has led and managed a staff of 40 professionals, while increasing external funding and expanding the unit’s impact. During the past 15 months, Jordan has worked with university leaders and the Office of Research and Economic Development to expand MSU’s partnerships in Morocco.

“Mississippi State continues to see great success in growing our global reach and impact. The International Institute plays an essential role in these efforts, and we’re very pleased that Dr. Jordan has agreed to lead it as interim executive director,” said Shaw.

The Columbus resident and MSU alumna will oversee operations of the campus unit that fosters and provides oversight for the university’s various international scholarship, research and outreach efforts. Jordan also will work to promote and expand global visibility and activities that are major components of the land-grant institution’s “State of Excellence” strategic plan.

Specifically, Jordan will lead International Institute units that include the English Language Institute, International Services, and the Study Abroad and International Student Exchange programs, as well as promoting international collaborations in research and outreach.

Jordan has more than 30 years of professional experience as a business owner, entrepreneur, teacher and trainer, and previously worked for the university as a project manager for the Mississippi State Community Action Team.

For more information on MSU’s International Institute and its programs, visit http://international.msstate.edu/about/index.php.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.