INTO Celebrates International Women's Day

Dr. Amy Z. Zeng became the 6^th Dean of the Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University in July 2020.

She is also the first female dean over the business school’s eighty-six years of history. An accomplished educator and leader in experiential and project-based learning and a recognized scholar in the fields of supply chain management and global logistics, Dr. Zeng brings to the Sawyer Business School a passion for experience-based learning, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and global engagement.

Prior to her current position, she was the Dean of the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. Prior to that, Dr. Zeng spent 19 years at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she held numerous faculty and administrative positions.

“I was an international student many years ago when I came to the States to pursue advanced degrees after I finished my K-12 and college education in Beijing, China. For girls and women with an international background, I have three messages or pieces of advice. First of all, we possess a unique cultural lens that can add additional perspective and experience in every conversation and teamwork. As such, please speak up, express your opinions and contribute your ideas whenever appropriate.                                                                                                                                                                On the other hand, the first-generation immigrants usually have very limited professional networks and connections. To that end, my second message is to diligently build your network and actively expand it by getting to know people from various industries, sectors and cultural backgrounds. In my last message, I want to emphasize the importance of work ethics and personal branding.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   It is always valuable to work hard persistently and effectively regardless of one’s racial/ethnical background. At the same time, volunteering yourself for various tasks helps you practice, polish and expand your skillset, as well as showcase your interests, passions and abilities. In the end, remember to periodically reflect on your journey and document your achievements so that you become more confident each time to move yourself up to next level and explore new opportunities.”

Dr. Zeng is a prolific scholar of more than 100 publications, including journal articles, book chapters, conference proceedings, and teaching cases spanning the theory, practice and pedagogy of supply chain management. Her current research interests include reverse and green supply chains, cybersecurity and information security in supply chains, and post-Covid challenges in higher-ed.

She has delivered more than 120 speeches in a wide range of locations and occasions and garnered over 3,600 Google scholar citations. She has also successfully attracted external grants for teaching innovations and research projects as well as corporate sponsorships for student projects.

Dr. Zeng completed her PhD in Business Administration from Penn State University, M.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington and B.S. in Industrial Management Engineering from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in China.

Eileen Schofield is the Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary at the University of Stirling, an institution with more than 1,700 staff and 17,000 students globally.

She has held this position for the last nine years, having originally joined the University in 2009 as Deputy Secretary and Director of Student, Academic and Corporate Services.

“My message to female students is to always believe in yourself. Confidence is key and you should never take no for an answer – use it as motivation to drive your success.  Always be curious and passionate in all you do. In my experience, you will be successful – if you work hard, keep pushing and don’t accept the status quo."

Eileen is a graduate of Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and holds a BA Business Studies. Following graduation, she qualified as an accountant and worked in several different sectors. She began her career in higher education at the University of Aberdeen as a trainee accountant and progressed to the role of Senior Faculty Accountant for the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences.

She subsequently moved into strategic planning, working as Director of Planning and Deputy Director of Policy, Planning and Governance before making the move to Stirling. She was appointed Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary in 2014.

Professor Erin Wolf Chambers chairs the Department of Computer Science at Saint Louis University.

She also has a secondary appointment at the University’s Department of Mathematics. Her research focus is in the field of computational topology and geometry, as well as combinatorics and combinatorial algorithms. She is active in research projects and service activities that are focused on improving inclusivity in computer science and mathematics. She is a strong advocate of improving broader STEM educational experiences at all levels. 

She currently serves as editor of the Journal of Computational Geometry - an international open access journal devoted to publishing original research of the highest quality in all aspects of computational geometry.

"My message to anyone pursuing their university studies is to find something that excites you.  Your time will be full of important studies on a wide range of topics, but it's also an important time to explore your areas of interest and find your passion, both inside and outside of the classroom.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   For me, this came in studying the intersection of mathematics and computer science, particularly in the mathematics of modeling and studying shapes. Without that spark of excitement, my studies would have been nowhere near as rewarding. Find classes, activities, topics, and even instructors that you are excited about, and you will not regret the experiences that follow!"

Prof Chambers received her PhD in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2008 and was a Visiting Research Professor at Saarland University in 2011. She also has several research publications and media articles to her credit.

Dr. Janet A. Lenaghan was appointed the first woman Dean of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University in 2019.

Under her outstanding leadership, Zarb School’s undergraduate programs, graduate programs and online MBA have consistently achieved top rankings.

Under her direction, the Zarb School developed several new degree programs which respond to business and workforce trends. With significant investment in emerging technologies, the Zarb School develops leaders with the technological agility needed to succeed in global business. Dr. Lenaghan also works to broaden community engagement through innovative programs leveraging the resources of the School to help shape the future business leaders of tomorrow.

“My message to international students, particularly girls and women is - believe in yourself and your choices. By studying in a different country, you have given yourself a tremendous opportunity to develop a global mindset and enhance your cultural awareness - critical competencies to excel as a leader.”

On her achievement as a woman leader and changemaker, Dr. Lenaghan says: “While women have made strides in securing top leadership roles there is still more work to be done.  As the first women dean of the business school, I hope to clear the path for young women to gain the experiences and opportunities needed to reach the top levels of organizations.  Through mentoring and actively sponsoring other women by intentionally opening doors and creating opportunities, I want to help the next generation of women leaders achieve new heights of success.”

An expert in human resource management, Dr. Lenaghan is regularly sought out to comment on workplace trends and has been appointed to several distinguished nonprofit boards.

A doctorate holder from Pace University and an MBA from the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, Dr. Lenaghan’s research has been showcased on various domestic and global platforms and published in a variety of academic journals.

Indian-born eminent educator Jayathi Y. Murthy became the 16th President of Oregon State University (OSU) in September 2022.

She is the first woman of colour to lead Oregon State, a university renowned worldwide for excellent teaching and student services, cutting-edge research and facilities, particularly in the fields of AI, robotics,  advanced technology, climate and ocean sciences, agriculture and forestry. 

Professor Murthy is a leader in higher education engineering teaching, research, and service. She is widely recognised as a champion for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and has made it her top priority at OSU. “Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is a deeply held conviction of mine and is central to my work as an educator and administrator,” she says. “As an engineer, I have often been the only woman in the room since I was 16.” 

"The power of women to be the drivers of change inspires me the most. Study after study and years of experience have shown that when women are empowered and when they achieve economic and political power, they benefit not only themselves and their immediate families but also their communities. Education, particularly higher education, is key to the empowerment of women. This Is why I am so committed to providing pathways to excellent higher education and employment for women."

Prof Murthy has had many accomplishments in her illustrious career. She served as the first woman dean of UCLA’s school of engineering and as chair of the mechanical engineering department at the University of Texas at Austin. She received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Washington State University, and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota.

As a professor and researcher, she has authored over 330 technical publications, and her research interests comprise nanoscale heat transfer, computational fluid dynamics, and simulations of fluid flow and heat transfer for industrial applications.

Professor Jennifer Howell is the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) at The University of Western Australia (UWA) since 2022.

She leads UWA’s internationalization strategy and supports schools, centres and institutes with their global engagement activities.

Prof Howell has over two decades of experience in the higher education sector in leadership roles across the UK, Australia and Southeast Asia. She has an outstanding record of strategic leadership across the education portfolio, developing and delivering strategic innovations such as; learning platforms, micro-credentials, enabling pathways and redevelopment of offshore campuses.

She has been at the forefront of improving the student experience, innovating in new products both locally and globally, and stewarding international partnerships both within learning and teaching and through active research collaborations.

“As a woman leader and changemaker, my key driver has always been to pay it forward. My journey has been filled with other woman leaders who have been mentors and helped me achieve all that I have. I think every woman leader should support, inspire and assist other women along this journey. Together we can help students unlock the power of education and transform their lives.”

Prior to joining UWA, Prof Howell was Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching) at Curtin University. She completed her graduation from Harvard Graduate School of Education and PhD from Queensland University of Technology.

Her current research focus is the use of digital badging to support learning journeys and the creation of online learning experiences which mimic f2f via the use of virtual and augmented learning tools.

Professor Margaret Topping is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at Queen's University Belfast.

After completing her BA, MSt and DPhil at the University of Oxford, she held teaching and research positions at Oxford, Bangor and Cardiff Universities. She came to Queen’s in 2011.

As a Professor of French and Intercultural Communication, she is an internationally recognized Proust scholar, but her current research interests are increasingly focused on debates around travel, tourism and migration, and the ethics and aesthetics of cross-cultural communication and representation. Professor Topping is the author of several books and many articles in these areas and has research collaborations with networks in Europe and the Middle East.

“My message to international students is, never lose sight of the courage and determination that led you to choose to study abroad in the first place, for it’s those qualities that will help you realize your ambitions.                                                                                                                                                                                                    You are developing as thinkers and leaders and innovators who can work across cultures, making connections that you’ll carry with you long after you leave university. That’s what will really make you stand out, so remember the words of Alvin Töffler, American writer, futurist and businessman, who said: ‘It is better to err on the side of daring than the side of caution’. My advice to you - continue to be daring, both in your studies and beyond!”

Increasingly, though, what unites and drives her research interests is a passion to communicate better the public value of the arts and humanities. Her forthcoming book, The Humanities Pandemic: Towards and Essential Services Approach argues for the importance of the Humanities in tackling global challenges such as Covid.

She believes fostering international partnerships and creating a diverse and inclusive campus are core to Queen’s mission as a local and global university.

Professor Nicola King is the Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the University of Exeter.

She rose to this position after years of experience in various roles at the University such as Senior Tutor in Biosciences, Director of Studies for Natural Sciences, and Associate Dean (Education) in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences.

“I am inspired most by my 5 year old daughter and want her to see the world of possibilities in front of her with nothing to hold her back from achieving whatever she wants in life. I hope I can be an inspiration to her and my son, as my mother and grandmother were to me.”

Throughout her time at the University, Prof King has led innovation and excellence in curriculum and transformed student support. She also chairs the Society for Natural Sciences and has developed its ground-breaking accreditation framework which embeds an interdisciplinary ethos at its heart.

Prof King is committed to broadening student opportunities both through widening access to university and understanding and bridging the achievement gaps between different groups of students, for example, home and international students. Her areas of interest include interdisciplinary learning, science and technology education, student experience, widening participation and technology-enhanced learning.

Dr. Shadi S. Martin is the Vice Provost for Graduate and International Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She is also the university’s Chief International Officer and Dean of the Graduate School, which serves more than 8,000 graduate students and post-doctoral scholars.

She leads the UAB Office of Global Engagement, which strives to expand the global diversity of UAB’s student body and provides opportunities for international teaching, research and service.

Dr. Martin has extensive experience in an international academic environment. She has worked with the World Health Organization in Europe and with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the Middle East, and she was a Fulbright Scholar in Damascus, Syria.

At UAB, she has been instrumental in uniting the Graduate School and International Education, thereby emphasizing the global focus of the institution. She is passionate about shaping the future of the new Graduate and Global Engagement Office.

“This generation of students inspires me.  They are more focused on using what they learn to make a positive difference in the world than on the material aspects — higher pay, title, and status. They believe that education and technology can be used as a force to make the world a better place.  They believe we can, and should, do better. They inspire me.  I love being in higher ed leadership when the students are the driving force behind promoting justice and good in the world.  They are leading the way to a better world.”

A strong advocate of equitable opportunities, benefits and treatment for all students, Dr. Martin is committed to empowering students to seek leadership opportunities and play key decision-making roles in various capacities on and off campus.

In her message to international students, particularly girls and women, she says: “In many ways, my life is no different from that of many other immigrant children. My parents left everything behind in search of a better life for their children. I still feel the intense pressure I have always felt to succeed to assure my parents' sacrifices had not been in vain. Because of these pressures, many young immigrant women and international students struggle with decision-making - they want so much to do right by their families, peers, teachers etc. that they sometimes become paralyzed when it comes to decision-making. 

“My advice to international students is this: don’t be afraid of making the wrong decision.  Make a decision - and then MAKE it the right decision. You are in control of your life. Don’t beat yourself up looking back on all the what-ifs. Move forward and turn every decision even the bad ones into the right decision with your actions and attitude. You will look back and realize you did well - by everyone - even you!” 

Dr. Martin received her master’s degree and her doctorate in social work from the University of Utah, where she also earned master’s degrees in public administration, health services administration and political science. She is the founding dean of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work. Before that she was the graduate program director and an associate professor in the School of Social Work at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

Professor Stephanie Glendinning is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering at Newcastle University.

She leads and manages one of the biggest faculties in the UK with more than 8000 students and 1200 staff across four schools in the UK and one in Singapore. Upon joining Newcastle University in 1998 as a lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering, she revamped­­ the dissertation module to provide better support for students and clearer responsibilities for colleagues.

“Throughout my academic career of 30 years what has driven me is a passion to make a difference for students, colleagues and the organization and places in which we all belong. What inspires me is making a difference for people, in particular creating opportunities for as many people as possible to achieve their best. I’m excited by new ideas and new connections from and with as diverse a group of people as possible.”

She redesigned the Civil Engineering curriculum, which involved working for an international engineering company to understand how learning about sustainability could enable graduates to be better prepared for global careers that would make a difference to the world. “In leading the Urban Sciences agenda, I wanted to ensure that our research and education could engage and have a positive impact for the citizens of Newcastle as well as students and colleagues,” she says.

As the faculty’s Dean of Strategic Projects, Prof Glendinning delivered several high-profile projects, including the Urban Sciences Building, because of her forte in bringing together academia and industry from a range of disciplines to create world-class research facilities for everyone, to address global sustainability challenges.

In her research, she has specialized in work related to infrastructure, and more recently, adaptation measures required to sustain extreme weather events and climate change. She loves meeting inspiring people from around the globe to share ideas and plays a pivotal role in developing a diverse community of researchers who have thriving careers all over the world.