Michigan State University, US. Opal Leeman Bartzis will join Michigan State University – International Studies and Programs in September as executive director of education abroad. She comes to MSU with more than two decades of experience in education abroad as well as three years of experience as a foreign language teacher for German and Russian. As IFSA-Butler vice president for academic affairs, she has steered the institute towards more innovative education abroad practices, including the development of a First-Generation Scholarship program. Opal is the current and longest running chair of the national study abroad committee for the AACRAO and has held leadership positions within NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Opal looks forward to collaborating with faculty, staff and students to assess needs, build on strengths and engage in the creative development of expanded opportunities in support of the MSU mission.