Prime Highlights
- Elon University celebrated 30 years of its International & Global Studies Program in April.
- The programme has expanded study abroad options from six countries to more than 50 countries.
Key Facts
- The IGS programme was launched in 1995-96 as Elon University’s first interdisciplinary major.
- It currently serves over 100 students and has more than 1,000 alumni worldwide.
Background
Elon University celebrated 30 years of its IGS Program with an event held outside Lindner Hall in April. This major is one of the oldest interdisciplinary programs at Elon University.
University leaders, faculty members, students, and alumni attended the programme, which highlighted the impact of the IGS course since its launch in the 1995-96 academic year. The programme began as International Studies and became Elon’s first interdisciplinary major.
President Connie Ledoux Book said the programme had changed many lives over the past three decades. She credited Professor Emeritus Brian Digre for helping launch the initiative and praised faculty and students for continuing to explore global issues with curiosity and courage.
Hilton Kelly, dean of Elon College, said the programme prepares students for a connected world through global education, language learning, and study abroad. He added that overseas study gives students direct experience and turns academic learning into practical understanding.
The IGS programme now has more than 100 students and an alumni network of over 1,000. Students study international affairs while focusing on one of five world regions: Europe, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The curriculum allows students to build customised academic paths using subjects such as politics, economics, history, geography, literature, religion, and culture.
Andrea Sinn, associate professor of history and current director since 2023, said study abroad remains central to the programme. She mentioned that students gain intercultural skills, global awareness, and career readiness through international experiences and coursework.
Since the first graduating class in 1996, the programme has expanded study abroad opportunities from six countries to more than 50 countries today.
University officials said the anniversary also reaffirmed the value of global citizenship, cross-cultural cooperation, and preparing future graduates for international careers in government, business, education, diplomacy, and nonprofit sectors worldwide.
