Nancy Bjorklund, EdD, MPA, assistant dean for Global and Continuing Education at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) successfully completed the Advanced Senior International Officer (SIO) Leadership Academy hosted in May by the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA).
The highly selective and competitive program is designed to prepare seasoned international education leaders for the next level of strategic leadership in internationalizing higher education institutions. The academy offers a robust professional development experience grounded in AIEA’s core competencies of international expertise, leadership and management, advocacy, and personal effectiveness. Each year, a limited number of senior professionals are selected from a national and international applicant pool, making participation a notable distinction.
“Participating in the AIEA SIO Leadership Academy was an opportunity to strengthen WMed’s global engagement strategy by learning directly from national leaders in international education,” Dr. Bjorklund said. “It reinforced WMed’s existing efforts while offering me new frameworks and ideas to elevate our impact.”
Over the course of the program, Dr. Bjorklund and other participants engaged in seminars, an intensive in-person retreat, and leadership-focused sessions at the AIEA Annual Conference. The curriculum emphasizes reflective practice, strategic planning, and the development of high-impact global initiatives.
During her time in the weeklong academy, Dr. Bjorklund collaborated with international education leaders from across the globe, including colleagues such as Dr. Chrishon Blackwell (George Mason University), Dr. Rebecca Cruise (University of Oklahoma); Dr. Randy McCrillis (University of Utah); Dr. Tana Ruegamar (Wellesley College); Dr. Maegan Stevens-Liska (University of Nebraska-Lincoln); Dr. Mariamma Thomas (Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago); Elizabeth Trejos-Castillo (Texas Tech University), and Dr. Basma Zeidan (American University of Beirut), among others.
The cohort explored international office structures, policies, and best practices; developed long-term strategic internationalization plans; and examined budgeting and financial stewardship of international programs. Team building activities and deep peer-to-peer engagement enriched the experience and forged lasting professional networks.
“The academy was more than just professional development – it was a transformational experience,” Dr. Bjorklund said. “Collaborating with senior international officers from across the country helped me reimagine what internationalization can look like at WMed and in a medical school context.”
Participation in the leadership academy marks an important milestone in WMed’s expanding global education strategy. Dr. Bjorklund brings back a refined vision, practical tools, and an expanded network that will help shape the future of the medical school’s international partnerships and curricular development. Her work supports the institution’s mission to prepare culturally responsive physicians who are equipped to lead in diverse and global healthcare environments.
For a full list of 2025 Academy participants and faculty, please visit aieaworld.org.