Director of Global Learning Ramona Kirsch is responsible for advancing global learning for students, faculty, and staff through study abroad, study away, international internships, and partnerships as well as developing local, regional, and national opportunities for global experiences.
Kirsch came to Hollins in 2019 and has over 20 years of experience in internationalizing curriculum and campuses, engaging students, and promoting mobility on a global scale. Kirsch has lived, worked, and studied abroad and has traveled to over 35 countries, honing proficiency in leading diverse groups and educational delegations abroad as well as moderating panels/presenting at international conferences around the world. Kirsch has also received three Fulbright awards (two to Austria, one to India) and has worked as faculty and/or administrator in institutions of higher education in California, Florida, and Missouri as well as in NGOs promoting student global mobility. Kirsch has served on IIE Fulbright Peer Review panels, the Executive Committee of the Florida Consortium for International Education, and as board member and past chairs of Study Florida and Study Virginia. Kirsch is currently on the NAFSA: Association of International Educators’ Region VIII Leadership Team and serves on the board of Roanoke Valley Sister Cities International.
Her educational background includes an Ed.D. in educational leadership and management, an M.A. in history, and a B.A. in letters (history, philosophy, literature, and languages).
Currently Kirsch teaches two global learning courses at Hollins:
UNIV 101: Preparation for Study Abroad Experience
UNIV 102: Reflecting on Study Abroad Experience