Connecting campus across borders

Meghan Mason, former associate director of the Center for Global Programs at Denison University, was recently named as Wittenberg's new director of international education.

Earning a B.A. in international studies with a minor in French from Miami University followed by an M.A. in higher education and student affairs from The Ohio State University, Mason began working at Denison in 2021. Prior to Denison, she served as the associate director of the Center for Global Engagement at Kenyon College from 2015-2021 after beginning her career as a study abroad advisor at Middlebury College from 2009-2015. During her time at Miami, Mason studied abroad in Differdange, Luxembourg, and she interned in Hong Kong while at Ohio State.

"During the interview process, I was struck by Meghan's comprehensive knowledge and experience of study abroad structures and providers, international student recruitment and exchange/visitor procedures, and trends in international education," said Brian Yontz, provost and professor of education. "Her deep commitment to the academic work we do on small private college campuses was also impressive. I'm excited for her to be with us."

Mason started her new role at Wittenberg under the direction of the departing Maria del Mar Aponte Rodriguez and has since worked diligently to create meaningful programming and build awareness of the available options to study abroad.

"I was excited by the opportunity to work with both study abroad students and international students at a liberal arts university," she said. "I know how important international experiences can be to developing a broader worldview, and I love to help students make those connections.

"One of my top goals is to help more students study abroad," Mason continued. "There are a lot of challenges -- academic and athletic commitments, fear of missing out, costs of travel - but I'm here to help students understand how to overcome these barriers. Wittenberg has amazing study abroad programs in Costa Rica and in Germany, as well as exchange programs in dozens of countries for both the fall and spring terms. I want as many students as possible to experience study abroad and come back to campus to share their new perspectives."

With Nov. 17-21, 2025, being International Education Week, Mason has worked to plan several events for the campus community. An event will take place each day to promote and share all things global as international events contribute to the University's exchange of cultures and ideas.

Up first, will be one of Wittenberg's most loved events, the International Potluck on Monday, Nov. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Matthies Honors House. Co-sponsored by the Honors Program, the Wittenberg community is invited, and all are welcome to bring a favorite dish with an international flair to share.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, a social afternoon with coffee, friends, and German cookies, titled Kaffeeklatsch, will take place at Founder's Pub, located in the basement of the Benham-Pence Student Center, from 3 to 5 p.m. Cookies will be provided by special guest Sam Martens, class of 2019, a Wittenberg alum now living in Germany. A Fika Coffee Break, co-sponsored by the Wittenberg Staff Advisory Council, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. in Post 95 featuring coffee and specialty desserts with an international flavor.

International Trivia, co-sponsored by Student Involvement, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20, beginning at 7 p.m. Then on Friday, Nov. 21, the International Education team will handout the always popular international cookbook from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the first-floor atrium of Hollenbeck Hall.

In addition to programming, Mason brings significant experience with advising students, having overseen 200-plus semester-length and short-term study abroad and domestic programs at Denison, which included recruiting students, reviewing applications, managing compliance requirements, and handling evaluations. She also organized study-abroad pre-departure orientation, topical programming, and annual policy updates including health, safety, and academic rules. Moreover, Mason served as the study abroad scholarship advisor and helped build relationships in the promotion of study abroad with faculty, athletics, belonging & inclusion, career services, and fellowships. At Denison and Kenyon, Mason was the designated school official for the Student & Exchange Visitor (SEVIS) program and led international student orientation events.

Other roles Mason has enjoyed throughout her career include serving as an adult mentor for the U.S. Department of State Youth Leadership program in Burlington, Vermont, working with Serbia and Hungary and working as a graduate administrative associate in international affairs scholars at The Ohio State University Honors & Scholars Center. She also served as a Gilman Advisor ambassador, was a member of the Denison Forward Committee, and a Kenyon Staff Council co-chair, where she helped to improve communication between employees and improve employee morale.

"Working with our international students has been great so far. They are from so many countries with unique backgrounds, and as someone who grew up in Ohio, it's fascinating to hear why they chose to come to school here," Mason said.