USF World News

USF Education Abroad Director Wins 2023 Person of the Year Award

TAMPA, FL (October 27, 2023) -- USF World congratulates Amanda Maurer for being named the 2023 Person of the Year by the Tampa Bay Organization of Women in International Trade (TBOWIT). Amanda was recognized for her unwavering commitment to empowering thousands of USF students embark on countless transformative global experiences for over fifteen years. She received the award on October 25 during the TBOWIT annual luncheon at the University Club in Tampa. Her contributions to the international business community were also lauded as 2,200 students participated in study abroad business programs across 20 countries over the last ten years under her tenure. It was especially poignant that women students comprised the majority during each of those years.

Following a warm TBOWIT introduction and heartfelt quotes from Amanda’s colleagues, she took the stage and gave compelling remarks on the importance of her work and how it supports global citizenship among students. After taking the audience on a journey through her own international experiences, it was clear that Amanda’s passion for her field is second to none. USF World is fortunate to have her at the helm of education abroad and the Tampa Bay community is excited to welcome the international workforce that USF is creating through    education abroad, research, intercultural understanding, and the creation of internships abroad.

During her 15-year tenure at USF, the number of students participating in education abroad has increased by 150%, as reported in Open Doors. Under her strategic leadership, the Education Abroad Office has also been nationally recognized with a commitment to enhancing diversity amongst students who participate in study abroad programs. This has resulted in receiving awards such as the Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in International Education in 2017 and the IIE Andrew Heiskell Award – Access and Equity in 2019. 

Prior to joining USF, Amanda served as the Senior Director of International Programs at Columbia Law School. She received her master’s degree in Russian language and literature from Florida State University, where she studied abroad in the USSR and former Yugoslavia. In 1987, Amanda was one of few U.S. citizens on a Croatian language and culture program where she joined students from across Europe. This experience has framed her career.

USF World is proud of Amanda’s achievements and is eager to expand study abroad opportunities for all USF students! Contributing to the USF Education Abroad fund will directly support USF students’ high-quality educational experiences abroad. 

 

 

 

 

Under Amanda’s leadership USF has seen a significant increase in education abroad participation. Education aboard is important to USF World’s global mission of offering programming to students that provides the opportunity to develop a global appreciation and global competence – valuable skills in today’s global workplace. Amanda is an innovative, inclusive and dedicated education abroad professional. Most importantly she cares deeply about the students and her co-workers across the department and the university. I am honored to call her my colleague and friend.

Wendy Baker
Director, USF World St. Petersburg Campus