Harvey Charles

Global education expert becomes
new provost of international initiatives

Harvey Charles, Northern Arizona University's new vice provost for International Initiatives, is primed to help the university "embrace a global outlook."

Charles, who will begin his role on July 16, comes to NAU from Wheaton College in Massachusetts, where he was the founding dean of the Center for Global Education and an associate professor in the Department of Education.

"My vision is to help make NAU a leader in global education in Arizona and in the southwest region of the U.S.," Charles said. "Global education is one of the best ways to prepare our rapidly increasing citizenry for the opportunities that lie ahead."

The vice provost, who will report to the provost, is responsible for creating and implementing institutional goals in support of internationalization and will provide leadership for NAU's Center of International Education.

"We are excited about working with Harvey Charles and having his passion for international education on our team," said Liz Grobsmith, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "His extensive experience in international education will be a plus as we move forward to broaden NAU's reach around the world."

Charles' international experience includes directing the Office of International Education at Georgia Institute of Technology, directing the Office of International Programs at San Francisco State University and the Office of International Students and Scholars at the University of Nevada.

He has managed numerous educational programs and recruiting efforts around the world, working in Europe, India, Asia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, Australia and in the Middle East.

"The interdependent and interconnected nature of our world require that our students are prepared with the knowledge, skills and values to negotiate this new but rapidly changing terrain," Charles said.

Charles said NAU's impressive international projects lured him to the position.

"It is clear to me that global education has become an important priority on campus," Charles said. "I think it is important to begin a conversation about global learning and how it can be used as an organizing principle for the curriculum, particularly at the undergraduate level."

Charles' resumé can be viewed online.