Biography: Lynn Aguado (she/her/hers) coordinates the administrative process for MSU Affiliated Partner programs and advises students wishing to participate in those programs. She is also the liaison with the Office of Financial Aid and works on outreach related to financing education abroad. Lynn received a BA in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Michigan, during which time she participated in an academic year abroad program at the Universidad de Sevilla in Seville, Spain. She also has a master’s degree in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University. Prior to coming to MSU, Lynn worked with education abroad programs at the University of Michigan and the University of Missouri-Columbia. She loves studying and speaking other languages (including Spanish, French and Italian), quilting, reading, singing in the MSU Choral Union, and attending musical performances - especially Broadway musicals. Lynn’s favorite concerts and shows are the ones where her son is performing with his upright or electric bass.

Biography: As Executive Director, Opal provides leadership for the Office for Education Abroad, including the American Semester Program (ASP) for short-term inbound international students. She also directs the Global Youth Advancement Network (GYAN) and the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU), a consortium of Michigan’s public institutions. Opal chairs MSU’s Advisory Council on Education Abroad and the Faculty Learning Community for International Student Success and is a member of the Risk and Security Assessment Committee and International Strategic Enrollment Management Group. Prior to MSU, Opal held various positions over her 20 years at the Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University, most recently as Vice President for Academic Affairs and including three years as Resident Director in Ireland. She has served NAFSA in a variety of capacities, including Region VI Chair, Indiana State Representative, NAFSA Academy Coach, and currently as Co-Chair of the Peace, Justice & Citizen Diplomacy MIG. Active in the Forum on Education Abroad, Diversity Abroad, and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), she is a frequent presenter and workshop trainer at international education conferences. Opal earned her doctorate in adult, higher and community education at Ball State University with her dissertation on the development of culturally sensitive instructional practices through student teaching abroad. She also completed doctoral certificates in college and university teaching and community college leadership, and she holds an MA in history and Honors BA in German from Butler University. Her research and publication areas are inclusive pedagogy, global teacher education, academic ethics across cultures, appreciative advising, and sustainability in education abroad. She studied abroad in Switzerland, Russia, and Lithuania, and spends as much time as possible with family in Greece.

Biography: Maria Beam is the Executive Secretary and manages the Executive Director’s calendar, provides meeting support, maintains the Executive Director’s files, and attends meetings and events with/on behalf of the Executive Director as requested. Maria also provides support for the Advisory Council on Education Abroad, Education Abroad Leadership, and other group meetings as requested by the Executive Director. Maria joined the Office for Education Abroad in 2003, beginning as a receptionist, transitioning into an enrollment management specialist and now supports the Executive Director. She has assisted with the Global Internship Conference and attended conferences in Canada, Ireland, and Chile. She has also participated in mission trips to France, Guatemala, and Mexico. In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time with her family in Charlotte, Michigan.

Biography: Cheryl Benner is the Communications Manager and oversees the marketing and communication activities for the office. She’s responsible for printed publications and digital communications, as well as event coordination, community outreach and student recruitment, including supervision of the Peer Adviser program and management of the Education Abroad Advising Center. Cheryl has co-presented at the local and regional levels on interactive media, education abroad for under-represented student populations, and the effective use of technology in student advising. She holds a BA in Advertising from MSU and brings almost 30 years of experience in outreach and marketing at a large public institution. When not on campus, Cheryl can be found cheering on the DeWitt Panthers, MSU Spartans and the Green Bay Packers and loves spending time with her family.

Biography: Angie Boldrey is the Financial Services Coordinator and responsible for overseeing the development, approval, and implementation of all program budgets. She works with program coordinators and directors, making sure financial needs are met before, during and after their program’s completion. Additionally, works to secure payments to vendors and assists with budgeting and reconciliation of the education abroad enrollment. Prior to arriving at MSU, Angie worked in business management at a local law firm, finance and data management at a political consulting firm, and many varied areas in the Michigan legislature. She holds a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and lives in Okemos with her husband, two teenage daughters and retired greyhound named Dude.