The Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship (TLS) Knowledge Community focuses on crosscultural competence, curriculum internationalization, engaging graduate students, faculty development, intercultural training, learning experiences of students at all levels, and scholarly research aimed at advancing the field.
Mission Statement
Equipping NAFSA members and other educators with the knowledge, research, and skills they need to engage in, encourage, and support positive change practices that results in the infusion of international, intercultural, and global knowledge into the ethos and outcomes of their own work and, more broadly, the work of their institutions and organizations.
To accomplish its mission, TLS:
- Identifies and makes accessible, within and beyond NAFSA, new and existing theoretical and empirical knowledge that improves practice.
- Brings innovative people, concepts, structures, and ideas to NAFSA conferences and other educational programming.
- Works with others to identify gaps in research and professional knowledge and engages the membership in filling those gaps.
- Promotes dialogue that motivates scholars, educators, practitioners, and administrators to collaboratively internationalize their organizations.
Connect with the Community
CIIT Network
Explore Curriculum Internationalization and Intercultural Training (CIIT) resources and network with peers.
RSC Network
Explore Research and Scholarship Connections (RSC) resources and network with peers.
Leadership Team
Zachary Frieders
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University of California Education Abroad Program
Chair, Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)
Frieders is the Associate Program Director for Study Center Operations at the University of California Education Abroad Program. He was the founding executive director of the UC Davis's Global Learning Hub, supporting the university's "Global Education for All" initiative through study abroad...
Katherine Punteney, EdD
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Middlebury Institute of International Studies
Past Chair, Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)
Katherine Punteney, EdD, is a professor and founder of the MA in International Education Management program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) in Monterey, California. Katherine has more than 20 years of experience in the field of international education and is the author of...
Meredith Henderson, EdD
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Go Global NC
Chair-elect, Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)
As the executive director for Go Global NC, Meredith Henderson provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction to the organization; builds and leads local and global collaborative efforts to optimize global engagement; and oversees programs for educators and policy, community and business...
Ling LeBeau, PhD
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Syracuse University
2025 Annual Conference Committee Member, TLS KC
Ling Gao LeBeau, PhD, is director of international student success at Syracuse University. LeBeau is a scholar practitioner in the field of international higher education with many years of experiences in teaching, research, and administration. She has served in various roles in international...
Kate Hellmann, PhD
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Washington State University
Coordinator, Programs and Resources (TLS KC)
Kate Hellmann, PhD, is a faculty administrator and researcher in the field of international education and TESOL. She has a PhD in Education with a focus on International Education and a Master's in Applied Linguistics. Spanish is her second language. She researches faculty experiences with...
Brian Seilstad, PhD
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Al Akhawayn University
Coordinator, Intercultural Communications & Engagement (TLS KC)
Brian Seilstad received his PhD from the Ohio State University's department of Education/Teaching and Learning with a focus on multicultural and equity studies. Currently he is the director of internationalization and partnerships at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. Prior to this position...
Anjam Chaudhary, PhD
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Michigan State University
Network Leader, Curriculum Internationalization & Intercultural Training (TLS KC)
Anjam Chaudhary, PhD, is currently leading global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at the Office of International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University. She also directs the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program for which she developed a global DEI and intercultural...
Blase Scarnati, PhD
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Northern Arizona University
Network Leader, Research & Scholarship Connections (TLS KC)
Blase Scarnati, PhD, served for the last decade as director of global learning at the Center for International Education, and is professor of musicology in the Kitt School of Music at Northern Arizona University (NAU). He regularly publishes on community-based global-local learning and its...
If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments for the TLS KC team, please contact us.