The Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Dean’s Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding students, faculty and staff whose work has significantly advanced global engagement across Elon University.
The Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Dean’s Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding students, faculty and staff whose work has significantly advanced global engagement across Elon University.
Launched in 2023, the Dean’s Excellence Awards honor individuals who embody Elon’s mission of comprehensive internationalization through research, leadership, mentorship, service and cross-cultural collaboration.
Recipient of the International Student Award, Nhat “Ivan” Nguyen, a chemistry major and international student, was recognized for his exceptional academic achievements and leadership. In March 2024, Nguyen presented research at the American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting in New Orleans—an extraordinary opportunity for an undergraduate student. He is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society.
Nguyen’s impact extends beyond the classroom. As co-president of the Asian-Pacific Student Association (APSA), he helped organize Elon’s annual Lunar New Year celebration, fostering cultural understanding and community engagement. He also studied abroad during Winter Term 2025 in China, further deepening his global perspective.
“Ivan has truly immersed himself on Elon’s campus, bringing a unique and thoughtful perspective to every space he enters,” said Denise Teeters, director of international student services. “Through active involvement and meaningful contributions, he has inspired his peers, and helped shape a more vibrant, connected community.”
Alexandra James, who studied at Kansai Gaidai University (KGU) in Japan during the fall of 2024, has been honored with the prestigious Study Abroad Student Award. A dedicated student leader, James has served as a student assistant in the GEC and as a multifaith intern.
During her semester abroad, James conducted research on the Black experience in Japan, which she later presented at Elon’s Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF). Her work offered a nuanced and reflective exploration of intercultural dynamics, underscoring her advanced proficiency in Japanese and her aspirations to pursue graduate study in East Asia.
“It has been a privilege to be part of Alexandra’s study away experience to KGU,” said Megan Hernandez-Greene, program coordinator. “To witness her evolution from when I first met her as a student assistant in our office to her rejoining us after a semester in Japan has been nothing but extraordinary. Alex is an example of the transformative power global engagement opportunities can provide for our students at Elon as they grow and prepare for the next chapter post-undergrad.”
In a rare joint recognition, the Faculty Award was presented to Mat Gendle, professor of psychology and director of Project Pericles, and Amanda Tapler, senior lecturer in public health studies. The committee highlighted the exceptional interdisciplinary collaboration between Tapler and Gendle, whose work has bridged public health, psychology, and global experiential learning.
Among many accomplishments, Tapler and Gendle’s scholarship includes the development of evaluation tools and approaches that prioritize host community perspectives and ethical assessment practices in global learning initiatives. They have also contributed to national conversations on community-based learning and equity in global education, recently presenting their findings on study abroad participation rates at the inaugural AAC&U Conference on Learning and Student Success.
Whitney Gregory, associate dean of students, received the Staff Award in recognition of her extraordinary behind-the-scenes leadership and support. Whether responding to student emergencies or offering strategic guidance for Study Abroad, Study USA, and international student services, selection committee members noted her expertise, wisdom, and collaborative spirit.
“Partnering with Whitney is a joy,” said Allegra Laing, executive director for global programming. “Whitney has a deep commitment to student success and wellbeing in the context of global engagement. She comes to each conversation with a holistic lens – thoughtful, engaged, compassionate and with a host of potential ideas to consider. She has been an important partner to the GEC, and we continue to value and rely on Whitney’s insights.”
“These awardees exemplify the values and impact of global education at Elon,” said Dean of Global Education Nick Gozik. “Their contributions are inspiring reminders that global learning doesn’t just happen abroad—it’s built every day through community, creativity and a commitment to shared understanding.”