Honoring Study Abroad Leaders at the 2026 Annual Conference

Oct 30, 2026

Award recipients from Wake Forest University, Bowdoin College, and Babson College recognized for expanding opportunities and strengthening the student experience.

Each year, IES Abroad recognizes individuals from its Consortium whose work advances global education and creates meaningful opportunities for students. This year’s honorees are Dr. J. Kline Harrison of Wake Forest University, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award; Julia Littlefield of Bowdoin College, recipient of the Professional Development Award; and Kaela Conroy of Babson College, recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. J. Kline Harrison, Wake Forest University

Dr. J. Kline Harrison, Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Kemper Professor of Business at Wake Forest University, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional leadership in expanding global learning and research opportunities.

During Harrison’s tenure, nearly 16,000 Wake Forest students have studied abroad, and study abroad participation has increased from 61% to 86%. For more than a decade, he led the European Business Study Tour summer program and helped introduce tailored semester programs in Barcelona, Cambridge, Copenhagen, London, Santiago de Chile, and Washington, D.C., creating more pathways for students to learn beyond their home campus.

Harrison oversees Wake Forest’s Center for Global Programs and Studies, Center for Immigration Services and Support, and Center for Research on Abroad and International Student Engagement. He established the latter to advance data-driven research on international student experiences.

“Don’t lose sight of the horizon, because the work you do is so valuable. It is necessary, and most of all, it’s transformative ...You are making and continue to make a difference in the hearts and minds of young people today.”
Dr. J. Kline Harrison, Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Kemper Professor of Business at Wake Forest University

Professional Development Award: Julia Littlefield, Bowdoin College

Julia Littlefield, Assistant Director for the Center of Cocurricular Opportunities at Bowdoin College, received the Professional Development Award for her commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and improving the study abroad experience.

An IES Abroad Berlin alum, Littlefield draws on her own experience abroad to guide students through their global learning journeys. Through visits to IES Abroad’s Amsterdam and Rabat Centers, participation in IES Abroad events, and collaboration with regional staff, she has deepened her knowledge of programs and translated that learning into practical support for students.

Among those contributions, Littlefield partnered with IES Abroad staff member Lucy Abasolo to develop a pre-departure course registration and credit verification process. Their work has reduced credit transfer challenges and helped students better prepare for their time abroad. Upon receiving the award, Littlefield said: “There’s warmth and humility to this organization."

Man and woman standing next to each other with an award in front of night skyline

Volunteer of the Year Award: Kaela Conroy, Babson College

Kaela Conroy, Assistant Director of Education Abroad at Babson College, received the Volunteer of the Year Award for her dedicated service to IES Abroad and her work to expand global education opportunities.

Conroy works closely with IES Abroad staff to strengthen opportunities in Latin America, including helping develop the Babson College Latin America cohort program. Through this initiative, students participate in IES Abroad’s Business & Economic Development in Latin America program each spring.

Conroy also served on the IES Abroad Program Planning Committee in 2024 and 2025, helping shape programming for the organization’s 2025 Annual Conference in Vienna—its first international Annual Conference. She currently serves on the IES Abroad Academic Council, advising on academic matters related to IES Abroad programs and students.

Conroy said: “I do appreciate the award, the recognition, [and] the opportunity to work on these committees over the past few years. IES is an awesome communicate to be a part of.”

Her service and collaborative approach have benefited students at Babson and the broader IES Abroad community.

Together, this year’s honorees demonstrate how dedicated leadership and partnership can open doors for students and strengthen the field of international education.

Check out more about our Consortium and its benefits.