Columbia College Chicago Appoints New Vice Provost of Global Education

News Office Staff / Nov 04, 2016

Kansas State University Associate Provost for International Programs, Marcelo Sabatés, Ph.D., to assume duties early Spring 2017.

CHICAGO (Nov 4, 2016)—Columbia College Chicago has appointed Marcelo Sabatés, Ph.D., as Vice Provost of Global Education, a new position at the college, in which he will serve as the chief architect for international education, student recruitment and retention. Sabatés will assume the role in early Spring 2017.

Sabatés joins Columbia from Kansas State University, where he served for nearly 20 years in several capacities. He was a professor and head of the Philosophy Department, and currently serves as Associate Provost for International Programs. Sabatés’ vision for student-centered global education emerged from teaching, researching, leading student programs and co-organizing academic events around the world, including the Czech Republic, Latvia, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Brazil and the United Kingdom.

“Marcelo’s extensive experience in global higher education brings considerable value to Columbia,” said Stan Wearden, provost and senior vice president for the college. “He will oversee a critical component of the college’s Strategic Plan to increase international enrollment and collaborations, expand opportunities for affordable education abroad, and enhance global experiences for both faculty and students.”

The Vice Provost of Global Education is a new position called for in the college’s Strategic Plan. Sabatés will be tasked with creating a new Global Education Office that will draw more international interest in the college. He will collaborate with deans, department chairs and faculty on curricular development and course design of the college’s international programs, and will work with faculty and administrators on international student recruitment and partnerships.

“I am delighted to join Columbia’s vibrant, inclusive and student-focused environment, which has a distinct vision for furthering international growth,” said Sabatés. “Columbia has had and continues to have a tremendous impact on Chicago’s creative and business communities. This is a unique opportunity to extend that impact globally.”

Under his leadership, Kansas State University significantly increased the number of students going abroad and the academic quality of their experiences, as well the number and diversity of international students who enrolled at the university.

“What is most exciting for me is how much Columbia embraces what I also value–building a solid international presence, ensuring significant, life-enriching student experiences, engaging faculty in international scholarship opportunities and providing a world-class education in arts and business.”

Sabatés holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Brown University. He completed his Graduate Studies in Philosophy at Oxford University, and is a graduate of the University of Buenos Aires.

Columbia College Chicago is a private, nonprofit college offering a distinctive curriculum that blends creative and media arts, liberal arts and business for 8,000 students in more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Dedicated to academic excellence and long-term career success, Columbia College Chicago creates a dynamic, challenging and collaborative space for students who experience the world through a creative lens. For more information, visit www.colum.edu.

Media Contacts:
Cara Birch, 312.369.8695, cbirch@colum.edu
Anjali Julka, 312.369.7016, ajulka@colum.edu

Recent News