Under A. Edward Uprichard as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UNCG, the Office of International Programs evolved into the International Programs Center, corresponding with the following key developments:  

• The number of international exchange programs increased from 13 in 1995 to 48 in 2006.     

• The number of international exchange students has doubled, and more students are going on study abroad programs; in 1995 there were 148 and in 2006 we had 316 outgoing students, while incoming students went from 59 to 168 over the same period. UNCG has one of the largest bilateral student exchange programs in the country.

• In spite of administrative immigration challenges in recent years, UNCG has increased its number of international degree seeking students by over 60% since 1995.

• The Provost established the International Travel Fund to provide monetary support to offset travel costs for faculty members presenting scholarly papers at international conferences. 

• The Provost elevated the position of the Director of International Programs to Associate Provost for International Programs.

• Based on our strength in student exchange programs, the Provost extended our expertise to develop and support the establishment of the UNC system-wide exchange program – UNC-EP, in 1997. This program is still hosted by UNCG as it continues to expand its consortial agreements to serve the UNC system.

• The services to international students were moved from Student Affairs to be delivered through the Office of International Programs. The position of Director of International Student Services expanded UNCG’s ability to focus and improve our support for international students.

• The Provost approved the creation of a Director of International Admissions in IPC to facilitate the review of international credentials and expedite the admission process for international students.

• The INTERLINK English Language Center was established on UNCG’s campus to provide international students with the facilities to improve their English language skills and transition to university studies.

• The Provost appointed the Advisory Committee on the Future of International Education at UNCG to develop the strategic plan for 2003-08. This visionary document has been used as a model plan by several institutions in North Carolina and beyond.

• The Provost was instrumental in establishing “internationalization” as a core value for UNCG during the strategic planning procedures of 2003, recognizing the strength of our programs.

• The revision of the General Education Curriculum reflected the importance of international perspectives by the inclusion of four Global marker courses (one Non-Western) for all undergraduate students.

• Building on the strengths of our international exchange programs, the Provost was instrumental in the vision for and development of the Lloyd International Honors College. He also promoted the concept for potential funding in the current capital campaign, resulting in it recently becoming endowed with the pledge of $4 million.

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