About Us

Increasingly international education leaders – in both large and small institutions – are realizing the importance of developing marketing and communications strategies to better engage and influence internal and external stakeholders. This has led to a substantial increase in the number of marketing and communications professionals supporting education abroad offices, marketing to international students, promoting their institution’s global reach, and managing communication channels that are multiplying globally.

The mission of the Marketing and Communications in International Education MIG is to:
  • Share knowledge, discuss and explore marketing and communication topics in international education to support NAFSA’s mission of advancing international education and exchange and global workforce development
  • Provide a platform and forum where professionals can share and access resources, best practices and case studies in marketing and communication to advance NAFSA’s mission of establishing principles of good practice, providing networking opportunities and advocating for international education
  • Develop national benchmarking so that schools can learn how to develop effective marketing and communications strategies and workflows
  • Provide assistance to marketing and communications professionals who are new to the field of international education

The M&C MIG was founded in April 2015 by Janka Pieper (Northwestern University) and Derrick Meads (University of Kentucky). NAFSA's M&C MIG Community Platform can be found here.

Meet the Leadership Team

Abby​ Baric, Co-Chair
Senior Communications Manager
IES Abroad
Frank Camp, Co-Chair
Director, Marketing and Communications
University of Arizona
Ben McKelfresh, Co-Chair
Marketing and Program Coordinator
Iowa State University
Janka Pieper, Co-Chair
Director of Communications
Northwestern University

NAFSA Regional Representatives

Region II
Nikki Powers
Vice President of Communications
GoAbroad.com
Region V
Janka Pieper
Assistant Director of Communications
Northwestern University
Region X
Penny Schouten
International Recruitment Manager
Bard College
Region XII
Emily Kirsch
International Marketing & Recruitment Coordinator
Humboldt State University

Past Co-Chairs

"Co-chairing for the Marketing & Communications MIG for three years was a career highlight for me during my tenure in International Education. The co-chair position provided an opportunity to bring together seasoned marketers and newbies alike to ask questions, share resources, and brainstorm about challenges throughout the year. It was an honor to be involved in International Education at-large and contribute my skillset beyond my own organization. Another banner highlight was co-chairing with amazing colleagues who inspired me to bring fresh ideas to the table and create resources for our website and newsletter content year-round and not just leading up to NAFSA annually. I was so proud to watch the organization grow from 0 members to more than 300 members in three years and cannot wait to see the MIG's success blossom for years to come. I am so grateful for the opportunity and I would encourage anyone thinking about a leadership position to consider taking the leap. You won't regret it!”

Anna Morris, MIG Co-Chair 2015-2018
Account Manager, GoOverseas.com
"To be a marketer in International Education you need to be creative, driven and global minded. This MIG is full of people just like that who are here to help you be the most effective and efficient marketer possible. Why re-create the wheel when we have a network of people who love sharing resources and experiences with you? I have thoroughly enjoyed working in this supportive team with incredible co-chairs across the globe. It has been a privilege."

Sophie Kells, MIG Co-Chair 2017-2018
Communications Officer, Maastricht University
"Marketing & Communications are most often only a piece of an international educator's busy workload.  The M&C MIG is a much needed resource and sounding board for professionals who have to figure out how to make the best use of their busy schedules while having the biggest impact!  Meeting like-minded professionals and sharing resources has been a huge benefit of being involved with this unique and timely MIG.” 

Emily Kirsch, MIG Co-Chair 2015-2017
International Marketing & Recruitment Coordinator, Humboldt State University
"Co-chairing the M&C MIG was a wonderful way to build community around the common interest of marketing and communication. This is an important area of focus for international education and I have no doubt this MIG will continue to grow. My favorite part of being involved in the MIG was working with my amazing co-chairs.”

Nikki Powers, MIG Co-Chair 2015-2017
Chief Commercial Officer, GoAbroad.com