Mary Dwyer, Ph.D.

Dr. Mary Dwyer served as President and CEO of IES Abroad for nearly 25 years, guiding the organization through a period of transformative growth. Under her leadership, student enrollment, program locations, and scholarship funding expanded significantly, making study abroad more accessible than ever. During her tenure, she transformed the organization from a $10 million operation into a global leader in international education with over $150 million in revenue, 400+ programs across 21 countries, and annual enrollment exceeding 10,500 students. She spearheaded key acquisitions, launched new business lines, and led a major diversity initiative that resulted in a 91%increase in participation from underrepresented students. She launched the Initiative to Diversify Education Abroad (IDEA) and oversaw the creation of the IES Abroad MAP series, setting high standards for academic quality. A national voice in the field, she served on the Abraham Lincoln Commission, chaired the Forum on Education Abroad, and held leadership roles on numerous boards. Prior to IES Abroad, she spent 18 years at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she taught health policy and secured millions in research grants. She continues to consult internationally and holds a Ph.D. in public policy analysis along with numerous honors recognizing her impact. Her vision and leadership helped shape IES Abroad into a global leader in international education.