Save the Date: Next Global Symposium is Wednesday, April 7-8, 2026
2026 UNCG Global Symposium Schedule of Events
Pre-Symposium Opening Event – Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Global Arts Open Mic – Elliott University Center, Claxton Room – 6:30 PM
An arts and talent showcase featuring performances representing cultures from around the world. Hosted by Josephus III, Greensboro’s 1st Poet Laureate
Symposium Day – Wednesday, April 8, 2026
UNCG Global Symposium
All-day event (official schedule not yet published)
The Global Engagement Office (GEO) at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro proudly sponsors the Global Excellence Awards to recognize the remarkable global work of our faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and community organizations.
In celebration of UNC Greensboro’s many decades of global engagement success, GEO hosted its very first Global Symposium on April 4, 2025! Nominations were collected for the following award categories:
- Global Engagement Champion Award: This accolade honors individuals, including UNCG staff, friends and alumni, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to global engagement and have exhibited leadership in supporting the University’s global engagement, reputation, and excellence.
- Faculty Global Excellence Award: Presented to a faculty member or a group of faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in advancing global engagement through innovative projects, programs, or other internationally focused activities.
- Student Global Impact Award: This recognition celebrates students, including undergraduates, graduates, international students, and visiting scholars, who have made significant contributions to our local and international communities through their studies, internships, or other forms of global community engagement activities.
- Self-nominations for these awards are accepted.
SOE global – Smiley award
The School of Education’s 2026 Smiley Award will be presented at the Global Symposium. The Smiley Award supports global educational opportunities for current undergraduate and graduate education majors at UNC Greensboro. Undergraduate and graduate education majors who serve as outstanding Global Education Ambassadors through international or local engagement are recognized through this award.
Students recognized through the Smiley Award demonstrate leadership, innovation, and impact in international or local settings based on both previous and proposed engagement activities. Two Global Education Ambassador recipients, one undergraduate student recipient and one graduate student recipient, are selected every year.
Nominations are accepted through March 1, 2026. Self-nominations are accepted.
2025 UNCG Global Excellence Award Winners
- Global Engagement Champion Award Winner: Dr. S Anandavalli (Alumni)
- Faculty Global Excellence Award Winner: Dr. Vasyl Taras (Management)
- Faculty Global Excellence Award Winner: Dr. Hewan Girma (AAADS)
- Student Global Impact Award: Dominic Done (Senior)
Global Engagement Champion: Dr. S Anandavalli – Alumni
Excerpt from Nomination: “I am enthusiastic to nominate Dr. S Anandavalli for the UNCG Global Engagement Champion Award. As an alumna of the PhD program in Counseling and Counselor Education, Dr. Anandavalli’s burgeoning scholarly record and level of excellence in research embody the mission and vision of UNCG. Dr. Anandavalli’s acumen for research, leadership, and mentorship has already created a substantial impact among students and leaders in the counseling profession, and I have witnessed how she intentionally cultivates research mentorship for new professionals and students at the master’s and doctoral levels, especially international students. In fact, much of her scholarship refers to a cohesive line that centers international student mental health and well-being. She has proudly sustained our legacy at UNCG with international partnerships, collaborations, mentorship, and scholarship.”
Faculty Global Excellence: Dr. Vasyl Taras -Management
Excerpt from Nomination: “Through coursework design, engagement, cultural exchange and personal contributions, he offers a more meaningful experience in required courses. With the development and implementation of the X Culture project, the new I-Conn, X-culture academy, X Culture coaching program and the Global symposium, his contributions and dedication to promoting and supporting global involvement and cultural exchange is undeniable.”
Faculty Global Excellence: Hewan Girma – AADS
Excerpt from Nomination: “Hewan has led two study abroad programs to Tanzania. She did this during a time that she was an Assistant Professor. Taking students abroad is a big commitment, requiring a lot of preparation and execution. Hewan was able to do this as a junior faculty member and this speaks to her commitment to supporting global learning initiatives and exposing students to varied cultures.”
Student Global Impact: Dominic Done – UNCG Senior ’25
Excerpt from Nomination: “UNCG has no shortage of outstanding globally engaged and active students. But I can’t think of anyone who has had more of an impact and made more contributions to UNCG’s global engagement than Dom. He studied abroad at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia in Fall of 2023. Upon his return to campus, he initiated and led a special interest meeting on “Greek & Abroad.” He shared about the unique stresses of studying abroad as someone accustomed to the support system of living alongside his fraternity brothers and the emotional journey of stepping out on his own. That same semester he participated in an international education conference and was subsequently hired as a student worker in the Global Engagement Office. Within GEO, he single-handedly launched the Peer Advising Program, supporting students who returned from abroad and who wanted to encourage other students in their study abroad journeys. He helped shape the tone and nature of engagement with students and took on the front-line services of the office, creating a relatable presence and a positive atmosphere. He has participated in LGBTQ+ Abroad, served as a Teaching Assistant for the Study Abroad Re-Entry course, and has designed many of our student facing materials, just to list a few more of his projects. We are indebted to Dom for his many contributions and know that many students are studying abroad because of Dom’s work.”