Spelman College is proud to announce that Dr. Dimeji Togunde, vice provost for global education and professor of international studies at Spelman, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad). Dr. Togunde’s career is a testament to his visionary leadership in expanding opportunities for students of African descent and promoting diversity and inclusion in global education.
"Under [Dr. Togunde's] leadership, Spelman College has strategically aligned study abroad initiatives with institutional priorities, earning top rankings from the Institute of International Education and other prestigious organizations. Dimeji’s influence extends well beyond Spelman," said IES Abroad in its announcement of the awardees. "His legacy of dedication, innovation, and student-centered programming will continue to shape the field for generations to come."
During his tenure at Spelman, Dr. Togunde has established 11 active Gordon-Zeto summer international programs across various countries. These programs are in collaboration with several international education organizations, including the Council on International Educational Exchange , the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad), and Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA CAPA). The aim is to diversify study abroad opportunities while enhancing access and inclusion. He has also partnered with faculty and international education organizations to create new programs in South Africa, Ghana, France, and Senegal.
"This award is one of the most cherished highlights of my 33-year career in the academy because it validates my life-long commitment to the transformative power of global learning as a powerful approach for developing global citizens who can engage with diverse cultures, demonstrate knowledge of global challenges, compassionate to contribute to their communities, and to develop skills that will enable them to thrive in a competitive globalized world," said Dr. Togunde.
Under Dr. Togunde’s leadership, study abroad participation increased by 166%, from 159 students in 2011 to 474 in 2019. After a three-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global travel resumed and grew by 30%, from 297 students in 2022-2023 to 388 in 2023-2024. Over the past 14 years, study abroad destinations expanded from 16 to 35 countries, averaging 30 countries per year. Spelman students now study abroad on all six inhabited continents. Additionally, 66% of academic departments currently offer at least one global studies course in their curriculums.
"I am so grateful to be the 2024 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Global Education from IES Abroad. I also offer a deep sense of gratitude to my family for their prayers and encouragement, and to Spelman's leadership, faculty, and staff, for their support and collaboration during the last 14 years," Dr. Togunde said.
IES Abroad, a non-profit study abroad organization that administers study abroad programs for U.S. college-aged students, recently recognized three extraordinary individuals who have made a notable, significant impact on education abroad.
IES Abroad honored Dr. Togunde due to his outstanding contributions and involvement with the Atlanta Global Studies Center, Cultural Vistas, Diversity Abroad and more by advocating for internationalization across higher education. With Dr. Togunde at the helm, Spelman has effectively integrated study abroad programs with the institution’s strategic goals, achieving top rankings from the Institute of International Education and other esteemed organizations.
At their 2024 Annual Conference in Chicago, Dr. Togunde along with two other professionals, Kevin Sullivan from Case Western Reserve University and Kline Harrison from Wake Forest University, were presented with their respective awards.
Visit the IES abroad website to learn more.