Sue Roberts to complete tenure as UK’s transformational senior international officer

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2026) — University of Kentucky Provost Bob DiPaola and Vice President for Student Success Kirsten Turner announced today that Sue Roberts, UK associate vice president for internationalization, will conclude her administrative service this summer, marking the end of a decade of visionary leadership. 

Roberts will remain at UK and return to her faculty position in the Department of Geography within the College of Arts and Sciences. 

This planned transition in the senior international officer role comes at a time of strong momentum for the university’s global engagement efforts. 

Since her appointment as associate provost for internationalization in 2016, Roberts has led the UK International Center (UKIC) to new heights, guiding the institution through both significant growth and complex global challenges. Under her leadership — and with collaboration from faculty, staff and campus partners — UKIC developed and implemented Global UK 2021-26, an ambitious strategic plan advancing the university’s international engagement in teaching, research and service. 

Among the many accomplishments during her tenure, UK was named the winner of the 2023 Senator Paul A. Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization, one of the most prestigious honors bestowed annually by NAFSA: Association of International Educators. That same year, UK also received the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ International Impact Award. Earlier, in 2019, the university was recognized as a Top Fulbright Producer, reflecting its growing national and global reputation. 

Roberts has also championed innovative programs that broaden access to global learning and engagement. The Global Engagement Academy, a professional development program serving more than 200 faculty and staff, has strengthened global competency across campus. She also facilitated the launch of UKInSPIRE, a seed-funding program for international research collaborations in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Research, and the Global Footprint project, an interactive data visualization tool showcasing the university’s worldwide connections.

Her vision for educational access and opportunity led to the creation of Explore First, an education abroad program designed specifically for first-generation undergraduates. Developed in partnership with the Office for Student Success, Explore First provides students with transformative international experiences — often their first chance to study abroad. The program has become a point of pride for the university and a model for more accessible global learning. 

Roberts also coordinated efforts to support students impacted by international crises. In 2021, she brought together multiple offices to welcome several students displaced from the American University of Afghanistan, demonstrating the university’s compassion and global citizenship. 

Her leadership proved especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when UK’s international operations faced unprecedented disruptions. Roberts and her team worked to maintain the safety and continuity of education abroad and international support programs, establishing UK as a national leader in global risk management. 

“Serving as the University of Kentucky’s associate provost and now associate vice president for internationalization has been, and continues to be, a high point of my career and a profound honor,” Roberts said. “I am incredibly proud of the UKIC team and all we have achieved together over nearly a decade — from nationally recognized education abroad programs such as those in global health, to initiatives that support our international students, scholars and employees. The momentum for global engagement at UK has never been stronger, and I am confident the university will continue to build on this strong foundation in the years ahead.” 

Roberts will continue in her current role through June 30 and will assist with the transition as the university conducts a national search for its next senior international officer.

“Sue’s thoughtful decision to announce her plans well in advance reflects the values-based leadership she has demonstrated throughout her tenure,” Turner said. “Her tireless efforts have advanced our mission, strengthened our community and expanded our impact around the world. I am deeply grateful for her service and unwavering commitment to the students, faculty and staff of the University of Kentucky. It is a privilege to work alongside her.” 

More information about the leadership transition and the search process for UK’s next senior international officer will be shared in the coming weeks.