Two INTO University Partners Earn Recognition for Excellence in Comprehensive Internationalization

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 1, 2013) - INTO University Partnerships announced today that two of its university partners, University of South Florida (USF) and Colorado State University (CSU) were selected for NAFSA's 2013 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. The universities are being recognized for their dedication to building globally diverse and engaged campuses through strategic international and intercultural initiatives.

"We are thrilled that University of South Florida and Colorado State University are receiving this recognition from NAFSA. These institutions are trailblazers within international education and embody the excellence for which all of higher education should strive," said David Stremba, INTO's Managing Director for North America. "Through our partnership with CSU and USF, it's been clear the leaders at these universities understand the transformative power that comprehensive internationalization has on campuses and communities."

The universities both sought partnerships with INTO in order to meet their institutional internationalization goals, including increased global diversity in undergraduate and graduate enrollments, expanded research opportunities, an elevated profile for the institution worldwide, and increased global knowledge, skills, and perspectives for all students on campus. The University of South Florida started its INTO partnership in January 2010 and Colorado State University launched its joint venture with INTO in February 2012.

"Two years ago we recognized the need to take an all-encompassing approach to campus internationalization that goes beyond simply increasing student enrollment. The very active partnership with INTO has allowed us to increase international student enrollment and develop a better overall student experience. At the same time, the INTO partnership has also freed up CSU to concentrate on improving global opportunities for faculty, focusing on research, and establishing partners worldwide," said James A. Cooney, Vice Provost of International Affairs at Colorado State University. "We are excited about the progress we've made and the national recognition from NAFSA. With an invested partner like INTO, we know we will be able to continue to cultivate international engagement at CSU and in the state of Colorado."

"It's a tremendous honor to receive the Simon Award and have USF's achievements in creating a globally-integrated environment recognized. We have built our international programs around tenets that fuel the comprehensive internationalization of the university such as expanded services and activities, globally-minded academic programs and centers, and innovative international research," said Ralph Wilcox, Provost at the University of South Florida. "Since joining with INTO, we have significantly advanced these international endeavors. INTO has proven to be a partner that is invested in USF's core mission to give students a world-class education and create global citizens. Through our partnership, we will continue to build the type of creative and forward-thinking international programs that mirror USF's DNA."

The Simon award is named for the late Senator Paul Simon of Illinois and administered by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the world's largest non-profit association dedicated to international education. NAFSA bestows the award on universities for recognition of outstanding and innovative achievements in campus internationalization.

Universities like Colorado State University and University of South Florida partner with INTO to transform their campuses and communities through comprehensive internationalization. Since 2006, INTO has successfully launched 17 joint ventures with a range of leading universities in the United Kingdom, North America and China. U.S. partners include Oregon State University, University of South Florida, Colorado State University, and Marshall University. 

About INTO University Partnerships
INTO University Partnerships specializes in large-scale transformational partnerships that support and drive leading universities' internationalization goals. Within our university-led partnerships, INTO expands opportunities for international students to pursue higher education, investing in the resources, systems and processes to deliver a first-class student experience. Students benefit from university-designed and -delivered programs, highly supportive learning environments and state-of-the-art learning and living spaces while enjoying full access to their host university's campus facilities, resources and services. Since 2006, INTO has launched joint venture partnerships to internationalize 17 campuses in the UK, the U.S., and Asia. U.S. partners include Oregon State University, University of South Florida, Colorado State University, and Marshall University. More information can be found at www.into-corporate.com or follow INTO @INTOnetwork.