Dear Arcadia University Global Community,

I write to announce that Lorna Stern has shared that she will be retiring from her current position as Vice President and Executive Director of the College of Global Studies (TCGS) as of December 31, 2020. Lorna has served Arcadia University and the College of Global Studies with high distinction and an unswerving commitment to the value of global learning. Through the building of relationships with domestic and global partner institutions around the world, Lorna has significantly advanced the University’s work in international education and contributed monumentally to the field of international education itself. 

Lorna began her tenure at Beaver College in 1990 under Dr. David Larsen, Vice President and Executive Director for the then-Center for Education Abroad at Beaver College. She served in a wide variety of roles, culminating in her appointment as Vice President and Executive Director for the College of Global Studies in 2013. In the early ’90s, Arcadia sent students to study abroad in only four countries: the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Austria, and Greece. Lorna, along with many members of the team at TCGS, helped develop the expanding roster of programs that now characterize Arcadia University’s global portfolio of programs. This expansion involved developing programs across the world from Australia to South Africa, as well as a wide range of faculty-led/custom programs and short-term and first-year programs for numerous institutions such as Brandeis University and Hamilton College. Lorna’s efforts helped the Center evolve into the College of Global Studies in 2009. Today, TCGS offers study abroad opportunities in 12 countries with over 130 different program models and offerings. 

During her tenure, Lorna has overseen all aspects of the College’s global business, including its strategic direction, vision, mission, and operations. Furthering Arcadia University’s global mission, Lorna has built and contributed to the College’s significant annual contribution to Arcadia’s endowment for the last 30 years.  

Lorna is a highly respected expert in the field of international education. She helped build Arcadia’s reputation as a nationally ranked leader and recognized pioneer in global programs. Lorna’s leadership helped Arcadia University acquire program premises in Dublin, Ireland; develop the pre-planning framework for Arcadia’s residence in London, Thoresby House; and provide the University with a roadmap for development to secure its future. 

At Arcadia, Lorna has been admired by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. With her energetic personality, she has an uncanny ability to frame complex information simply and eloquently, and her decisiveness and leadership have helped the University expand its impressive footprint around the world. Most recently, Lorna served on the Presidential Search Committee and as Co-Chair of the Search Committee for the Vice President of Information Technology. 

There are too many of Lorna’s contributions to Arcadia University to enumerate. She would be the first to say that any contribution or accomplishment was a team effort shared across the College of Global Studies and the University.

I am delighted to share that Lorna will continue as an adviser to the University and me. Undoubtedly, she will continue to have a significant impact going forward, and we are so fortunate to have her as a part of our University community. I look forward to sharing more details in the next few weeks. Again, please join me in thanking Lorna for her incredible contributions and service to Arcadia University. 

Sincerely,

Ajay Nair, Ph.D.
President