Georgia State University Honors Award Winners During International Education Week

Georgia State University’s Office of International Initiatives (OII) celebrates International Education Week (IEW), Nov. 10–14, by recognizing faculty, staff, alumni and students who exemplify global engagement and scholarship.  

Serving as the university’s hub for study abroad, virtual exchange programs, global partnerships and faculty research, OII fosters GSU’s international collaboration among faculty and staff while building stronger connections with international partners on campus, in metro Atlanta and around the world. 

“Internationalization is a university-wide effort,” says Carrie Manning, Associate Provost for International Initiatives and Professor of Political Science. “The Office of International Initiatives expands opportunities for students to explore the world through their studies and to enrich their future career opportunities. Our annual International Education Awards recognize members of the GSU community who make significant contributions to global engagement.” 

The 2025 International Education Award winners were recognized at the International Honorary Reception on Nov. 12 for connecting GSU’s scholarship and community with the world: 

• Anthony F. Lemieux, Sheth Distinguished Faculty Award for International Achievement – Professor of Communication and founding co-director of the Atlanta Global Studies Center, recognized for research on conflict, media and extremism and for leading innovative programs to promote critical language study and virtual exchanges that integrate global learning across disciplines. See a video about Dr. Lemieux here.

• Gustavo Javier Canavire-Bacarreza, Sheth International Alumni Award for Exceptional Achievement – PhD in Economics from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and Senior Economist at the World Bank, known for translating research into actionable global policy on fiscal equity, social protection and gender equality across Latin America. See a video about Dr. Canavire-Bacarreza here.

• Marilynn Richtarik, Faculty Award for Global Engagement – Research & Scholarship – Distinguished Professor of English, honored for her scholarship on Northern Irish literature and peace processes, including Getting to Good Friday (Oxford University Press, 2023). 

• Stephanie Langston, Faculty Award for Global Engagement – Teaching, Service & Outreach – Senior Lecturer of Spanish at Perimeter College, recognized for virtual exchanges with Honduras, leadership in globally-focused programming and community-engaged learning. 

• Paul Benson, Staff Award for Global Engagement – Senior Director of GSU’s Public Finance Research Cluster, with decades of experience in global sponsored research across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America and leadership of international executive training programs. 

Student honorees: 

• Jade Wayson, Study Abroad Student of the Year – Nursing major and student-leader who actively promotes study –abroad experiences and global learning among peers. 

• Qianyi Wang, International Graduate Student of the Year – Counseling Psychology doctoral candidate from China, conducting research on international-student well-being and providing mentorship locally. 

• Jonila Shehu, International Undergraduate Student of the Year – Neuroscience major from Kosovo and YES-exchange alumna, engaged in undergraduate research and founder of neuroscience education initiatives in her home country. 

Throughout International Education Week, GSU hosts events that combine cultural celebration with professional and academic engagement. Highlights include: 

• Flag Parade and Leaders Communicate Showcase for student leaders 

• Globally themed Percussion Ensemble Concert 

• Virtual sessions on Global Health Horizons and Latin American healthcare 

• Global Horizons: Exploring Cultures and Careers in International Business panel connecting students and alumni 

• Panther’s Passport Dinner Series featuring international menus in campus dining halls 

OII’s leadership in international programming, global learning, research collaboration and virtual-exchange initiatives reinforces GSU’s role as a hub for developing globally fluent talent and fostering international partnerships. 

Through the implementation of its 2024–2029 strategic plan, OII positions GSU to connect students, faculty and the broader Atlanta community with opportunities for engagement in the global economy, international scholarship and cross-cultural exchange. 

Visit international.gsu.edu for more information or to get involved with OII’s many internationally focused activities.