UK’s Jason Hope elected chair of US Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council’s academia sector
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2025) — University of Kentucky International Center’s Director of Global Risk and Strategic Operations Jason Hope has been elected chair of the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)’s academia sector for a term beginning in January 2026. Hope has directed UK’s office of international health, safety and security since its inception in 2016 — an office which supports all students, faculty and staff who travel internationally on behalf of the university.
OSAC, which is comprised of more than 6,800 organizations and more than 30,000 members, serves as a critical bridge between the U.S. Department of State and private sector organizations around the country, providing a platform for collaboration on global security issues. As part of OSAC’s mission to foster security partnerships, it facilitates the exchange of information, resources and best practices to help U.S. organizations mitigate risks associated with their international operations.
As chair of the academia sector — representing approximately 300 colleges, universities and other academic organizations — Hope will lead efforts to strengthen connections within the sector, foster collaboration with other sectors and leverage resources from the U.S. Department of State to support the health and safety of international travelers from across U.S. higher education.
“This recognition is a testament to the industry-leading work in international health, safety, security and risk management that is going on here at UK,” said Sue Roberts, Ph.D., associate provost for internationalization. “Institutions like ours must support our students’ global learning and our faculty’s international research as essential drivers of economic development and service to the people of Kentucky. Equally important is ensuring that this global engagement is conducted in a way that safeguards both our travelers and the institution. The University of Kentucky is clearly well positioned to lead on both fronts.”
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.