My father was awarded a sabbatical when I was seven and when he asked if I’d like to spend a year in Europe my response was “Sounds great!   What’s that?” 

Living in Budapest, Hungary and traveling to a dozen countries as a child was pivotal in developing my interest in travel, language and cultural experiences and it inspired me to spend extended periods abroad as a student and professionally in France, Germany and Russia.   My educational journey includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in Modern Languages and Literatures from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and I’ve continued my professional development in education, language, intercultural communication and leadership throughout my career in higher education.    

I joined UAF as a faculty member in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures in 1994 and the Office of International Programs in 1998.   As Senior Associate Director I was responsible for the development of international partnerships and academic exchanges and in June of 2011 I was offered the opportunity to lead UAF internationalization efforts as Director of the newly renamed Office of International Programs and Initiatives.   My work in OIPI has been extremely rewarding in providing opportunities to streamline international academic partnerships, develop strategy for international services and student recruitment and expand opportunities for students, faculty and staff to participate in research and study worldwide.  

I’m extremely pleased to serve as a member of the Honors Faculty Advisory Committee to support the innovative and creative ways Honors Students incorporate international study, research and internships into their UAF academic experience.   I look forward to meeting you! 

Donna Anger
Director, Office of International Programs and Initiatives
February 4, 2013