Dr. Natalie Cruz – Director of Cross-Border Initiatives (Former Role)
In recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership as Director of Cross-Border Initiatives, we honor Dr. Natalie Cruz as she steps down from her active role effective 1/1/2024. Dr. Cruz has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of international education and transnational collaboration during her tenure with us. While her active role concludes, her legacy continues to inspire and guide our community.
Director of Cross-Border Initiatives: A Remarkable Journey
As Director of Cross-Border Initiatives, Dr. Natalie Cruz led with passion and dedication. Her responsibilities encompassed recruitment, creating professional development opportunities, and facilitating transnational collaboration for numerous Country Directors within our network. Dr. Cruz spearheaded structured quarterly meetings, fostering a platform for Country Directors to coordinate and plan with clearly defined goals and objectives. Her support extended globally through systems that facilitated knowledge creation, sharing, and professional development, strengthening our network’s foundation.
A Visionary Scholar and Leader
Beyond her role with us, Dr. Cruz is a distinguished international education scholar and leader. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Global Strategy and Initiatives at Emory University, she continues to advance global strategies and initiatives. Her rich academic background includes a previous role as an assistant professor of Education at Charleston Southern University.
Contributions to the Field
Dr. Cruz’s influence extends well beyond the boundaries of a single institution. She serves as the Cross-Border Narratives Editor for the Journal of International Students and has held leadership positions in esteemed organizations such as AIEA, NAFSA, ASHE, and NASPA. Her scholarly journey has taken her to multiple national and institutional contexts, where she has researched and partnered in dozens of countries worldwide.
Research and Awards
Dr. Cruz’s research has made significant contributions to the field of international education. Her dissertation focused on academic and economic factors related to international student enrollment over the past two decades. Her broader research interests include changing modes of global student mobility, the holistic experiences of international students worldwide, and increasing access to international education. She has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the 2020 AIEA Harold Josephson Award for Professional Promise in International Education and the 2021 CIES SAIS SIG Research Grant Award, as well as the 2021 Best Dissertation Award.
As Dr. Cruz embarks on new adventures and continues to shape the future of international education, we express our deepest gratitude for her exemplary leadership and dedication during her tenure as Director of Cross-Border Initiatives. Her legacy will forever remain a source of inspiration, and her impact on our community will endure as we move forward in pursuit of excellence.
Thank you, Dr. Natalie Cruz, for your remarkable contributions and leadership!