Blogs

The Global and Intercultural Affairs Center is excited to welcome three new staff members to the team as we start the Fall semester. We invite you to learn more about them below!

Ben Jackson, Program Coordinator, Education Abroad & Away (EAA)

After six years serving in the United States Air Force around the world, including in Germany, Qatar, and South Korea, Ben pursued his Bachelor’s of Arts in International Affairs/Relations at Northern Arizona University. He then went on to complete his Master’s degree in Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights at the School of International Service at American University in Washington D.C. Prior to coming to the University of Dayton. Ben acquired experience working in refugee resettlement, including for the International Rescue Committee. As a Dayton native, Ben is excited to be back in the area after some time away: “I was drawn back to Dayton because I wanted life to slow down a bit. I wanted to drive by wide open fields, and I also wanted to afford to buy a house with a little piece of land to put bird feeders on. Sure, you can get these things in other places, but Dayton has a certain vibe that I haven’t found anywhere else. People are friendly for no reason, and that’s what brought me back.” 

In his new role as Program Coordinator in Education Abroad and Away (EAA), he looks forward to being in a position where he can “think globally daily." Providing support for faculty-led programs offered by EAA, Ben looks forward to combining his educational background with his own lived experiences: “I am fortunate to have lived abroad for some years and understand how tricky it can be to navigate a new place, so it makes me happy to know that I can pull from my experiences to help students and faculty explore new places. This role also allows me to always be in a ‘travel mindset’ and think philosophically about the impact going abroad can have on students, faculty, and the host country's citizens.” 

In his free time, Ben enjoys hiking, staying active at the gym, and spending time with his family. An avid coffee drinker, he also enjoys reading, more specifically science fiction, like “The Expanse” series by James S. A. Corey that he is currently tackling. In the future, Ben hopes to visit Senegal to put his college French classes to the test. Welcome, Ben! We’re excited to have you.

Meredith Robinson, Engagement Coordinator, Global Engagement

A recent University of Dayton alumna, Meredith is excited to have the chance to stay in the area and work for her alma mater: “I am excited to use my creative side and collaborate with people across campus for GIA events by helping with the marketing and communications efforts for such programs, including print and digital materials and social media.” In her new role, Meredith will be able to merge her previous experience as a photographer for the UD Magazine with her educational background in human rights: “My Bachelor’s was in Human Rights Studies, which is where I learned about and became interested in global relations. I also just love experiencing and learning about new cultures around the world.” During her undergraduate career, Meredith participated in the Chaminade University Exchange program for a semester, which is where she realized that Oahu, Hawaii is undoubtedly one of her favorite places in the world. She also participated in the Moral Courage Project in Oakland, California, as well as the Summer Ethics and Leadership Internship Program, where she interned with a Dayton organization called The Collaboratory. 

In her free time, she enjoys reading, taking walks, and hanging out with friends and family, including her twin. Like many in the GIA Center, she too loves coffee and cannot live without it. Welcome to the team, Meredith! 

Paul J. Geis, Director, Education Abroad and Away (EAA)

Originally from New York, New York, Paul has worked in the international education world for more than twenty years in different roles at Bentley University, Elon University, and Boston College. In his new role, he looks forward to leading a team of international educators in Education Abroad and Away, among other tasks: “I’m also thrilled to be part of the strategic collaboration with UD campus partners, in particular as we establish the new Tobias Global Challenge Program.”  Paul holds a Bachelor’s in French and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration, and he is also working towards completing his Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations from Kent State University this upcoming fall semester. The French language plays an important role in his life, as it was not only the focus on his undergraduate education and many of his study abroad experiences in France and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon (French islands off the coast of Canada), but it is also the primary language he uses at home with his family.

When taking a break from work and writing his dissertation, Paul enjoys plant-based cooking, spending time in his vegetable garden, and baking. Although new to the Dayton area, he is excited to continue to explore its offerings: “I’ve already found a great spot to do my academic work in the Dayton Metro Library Main and enjoy taking the Flyer Shuttle to campus each morning. I am eager to discover more of the local coffee shops, restaurants, and other venues in the downtown area and beyond, and hope to connect with the LGBTQ+ community in the area.” We look forward to working with you, Paul!