UCF Abroad [1] is welcoming a new director who will spearhead the University of Central Florida’s goals in connecting students with international learning opportunities and more.
Kevin Konecny, who comes to UCF from the Dalian Baocheng Education Group in China as executive director of international education, begins his new role on Aug. 25.
Konecny has a passion for student life and internationalization of college campuses that has taken his career across the world, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Guam, in addition to his most recent work in China. He’s also worked across the country, including Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida and Michigan.
His career spans 28 years of work in higher education. In his most recent position as executive director of international education, he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the group’s international and academic business projects. In addition, he spent five years at UCF’s partner, Seminole State College, as the director of Student Life, director for the Center of Global Engagement and as an adjunct lecturer of social sciences.
Konecny holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Social Studies, a Master of Science degree in Education – Counseling Psychology, and has taken doctoral courses in Higher Education Administration. He also holds a certificate from the American Council on Education (ACE) Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement for Leading Internationalization.
“His background in student life coupled with his advocacy for internationalization on collegiate campuses will allow us to achieve our goals [2] of sending 3,000 UCF students abroad by 2020,” said Nataly Chandia, assistant vice president for UCF Global. “Kevin will be great at helping UCF students understand the power of high-impact, international experiences while serving as a model of excellence for innovation, partnerships and services.”
For a look at UCF students’ traveling experiences, visit UCF Abroad’s Instagram page.