Report on the Appointment of Dr. Rebecca Shriver as Executive Director of International Education

Executive Summary

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) has appointed Dr. Rebecca Shriver as the new Executive Director of International Education, effective August 1, 2025. This appointment signals a strategic enhancement of the university’s commitment to global engagement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Shriver’s extensive experience and academic background are positioned to advance MSSU’s contributions to quality education (SDG 4), global partnerships (SDG 17), and the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16).

Profile and Contributions to Global Education

Dr. Shriver brings over 14 years of experience in higher education, including seven years as a history professor at MSSU. Her tenure has been marked by a significant focus on international initiatives that directly support key SDG targets.

• Advancement of SDG 4 (Quality Education): Dr. Shriver has been instrumental in providing inclusive and equitable quality education by directing study abroad programs that foster global citizenship.
• Strengthening SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): She has actively built and maintained global partnerships by leading programs in multiple countries and serving as a visiting faculty member at an international partner institution. Her work on global engagement committees has further solidified these crucial networks.

Her leadership has included the successful direction of educational programs in:

1. Spain
2. France
3. Portugal
4. Australia
5. Czech Republic

Strategic Vision for International Education and the SDGs

Dr. Shriver’s vision for the role aligns with a comprehensive integration of the SDGs into the university’s internationalization strategy. She is committed to leveraging international education as a transformative force for students and the broader community.

Key Strategic Pillars:

• Universal Access to Global Learning: Ensuring all students and faculty are aware of and can access international opportunities, directly supporting the inclusive nature of SDG 4 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Fostering Global Citizenship: Utilizing international experiences to cultivate intercultural understanding and a commitment to global cooperation, a cornerstone of SDG 16.
• Building Sustainable Partnerships: Expanding and deepening institutional relationships to create robust, long-term collaborations for education and research, in line with SDG 17.

Academic Expertise and Alignment with SDG 16

Dr. Shriver holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Arts in History from Florida State University, complemented by a certificate in European Union Studies. Her academic research provides a strong foundation for her new role, with a specific focus on international organizations dedicated to conflict prevention through cooperation. This expertise directly informs the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by emphasizing dialogue, understanding, and the benefits of international collaboration to build a more peaceful and just world. Her appointment is expected to significantly enhance MSSU’s capacity to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through its international education initiatives.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article is centered on higher education, specifically the appointment of an executive director for international education at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU). It discusses the university’s commitment to global education, study abroad programs, and broadening students’ worldviews, all of which are core components of providing quality and inclusive education.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The article connects to this goal through the academic background and focus of the new appointee, Dr. Rebecca Shriver. Her publications deal with “European organizations that sought to prevent the Second World War by building communities that emphasized the benefits of international cooperation.” Promoting international education and cultural understanding is a fundamental way to foster a culture of peace and build stronger global ties, which contributes to the aims of SDG 16.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

This goal is relevant as the article explicitly mentions MSSU’s engagement with an “international partner institution” and “community partner.” The entire concept of international education and study abroad programs relies on establishing and maintaining strong partnerships between institutions across different countries to share knowledge and provide opportunities for students and faculty.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for… global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity…”
     
     Explanation: The article directly supports this target through its focus on international education. Dr. Shriver’s stated commitment to helping everyone “experience the transformative power of international education” and her passion for “broadening students’ worldviews” align with the goal of fostering global citizenship and appreciating cultural diversity.
   • Target 4.b: “By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available… for enrolment in higher education…”
     
     Explanation: While not mentioning scholarships directly, the article discusses the expansion and promotion of international education opportunities. Dr. Shriver’s leadership in directing “study abroad programs in Spain, France, Portugal, Australia and Czech Republic” and her commitment to making “every student, faculty member, and community partner… aware of the incredible global opportunities” implies an effort to expand student mobility, which is the core aim of this target.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.a: “Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, to build capacity at all levels… to prevent violence…”
     
     Explanation: Dr. Shriver’s academic expertise in “European organizations that sought to prevent the Second World War by building communities that emphasized the benefits of international cooperation” directly relates to this target. The university’s international program, under her leadership, acts as an institutional effort to build capacity for peace and understanding through international cooperation.

3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.16: “Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise…”
     
     Explanation: The article mentions that Dr. Shriver has served as a “visiting faculty member at an international partner institution” and contributed to “multiple global engagement committees.” This demonstrates the mobilization and sharing of knowledge and expertise through global partnerships, which is the essence of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 4.7 (Global Citizenship Education):

   • Implied Indicator: The number and scope of international programs offered.
     
     Explanation: The article lists “study abroad programs in Spain, France, Portugal, Australia and Czech Republic” as evidence of MSSU’s commitment. An increase in the number of programs or participating countries would indicate progress.
   • Implied Indicator: The number of students and faculty participating in global engagement.
     
     Explanation: Dr. Shriver’s commitment to ensuring “every student, faculty member, and community partner is aware” of global opportunities implies a goal of increasing participation, which can be measured.

2. For Target 4.b (Student Mobility):

   • Implied Indicator: The number of established study abroad programs.
     
     Explanation: The article explicitly names five countries where MSSU has programs. Tracking the number of active programs serves as a direct indicator of the opportunities available for student mobility.

3. For Target 16.a (Strengthening Institutions):

   • Implied Indicator: The number of academic publications and courses focused on international cooperation and peace.
     
     Explanation: Dr. Shriver’s “several publications dealing with European organizations that sought to prevent the Second World War” is mentioned as a key qualification. The university’s output of similar academic work can be used as an indicator of its contribution to the knowledge base for peace-building.

4. For Target 17.16 (Global Partnerships):

   • Implied Indicator: The number of active international partnerships.
     
     Explanation: The article refers to an “international partner institution” and “global engagement committees.” The number of such formal partnerships is a clear and measurable indicator of progress in building a global network.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newstalkkzrg.com