A new Office of Global Strategy and Programs will succeed the Provost's Office of International Affairs as Duke University's locus of planning and coordination for global activities, the university announced today.
As Duke continues to increase its international engagement developing new programs and relationships around the world, the new office will provide an even greater level of institutional support for these efforts, helping faculty, students and others to carry out their work and collaborate across disciplines, said Provost Peter Lange.
Former Duke Divinity School Dean L. Gregory Jones will lead the new office in the role of vice president and vice provost for global strategy and programs beginning July 1. He will serve as Duke's chief international strategist, working with faculty, students, and administrators to advance and coordinate the university's global engagement, overseeing new and existing international programs. Jones was named senior advisor for international strategy on March 1.
Gil Merkx, who has served as vice provost for international affairs and development since 2001, will become director of international and area studies within the new office. In this role, Merkx will administer Duke's five Title VI national resource centers for foreign language and area studies -- the largest number among private universities in the country. Merkx will continue to work on developing and coordinating the university's international partnerships, faculty travel and conferences, and services for foreign students and scholarships.
"Greg Jones will bring new ideas and strategy to this effort, and Gil Merkx will continue his excellent leadership of our international and area studies programs," Lange said. "We expect this new approach will help people across the Duke community to engage with global issues and opportunities."