Dear University of Washington Community,
As I approach my first anniversary as UW’s Vice Provost for Global Affairs, I want to reflect on the remarkable progress we’ve made together and share our vision for the year ahead. In a time of global uncertainty, the University of Washington has not only maintained a strong international focus, but continued to strengthen its impact, affirming that global engagement is more essential than ever.
Our achievements this year are the result of the visionary leadership of our faculty and staff and the dedication of the UW Global team. Together, we advanced our strategic priorities:
Advancing global research and innovation: Through the Global Innovation Fund (GIF), we awarded more than $360,000 to 40 interdisciplinary projects, fostering new collaborations and innovative approaches to global learning. The GIF deadline for the 2026 cycle is January 31. I encourage faculty to apply and help us continue driving innovation across our campuses.
Expanding global learning opportunities: Nearly 3,000 UW students studied abroad in more than 80 locations worldwide, supported by more than $1 million in need-based scholarships. Hundreds of students engaged at our UW Rome and León Centers, and nearly 1,000 attended our Study Abroad Fair to explore global experiences. Beyond mobility, we are facilitating local global-learning opportunities and are investing in infrastructure for Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) to broaden student access to global experiences.
Building and deepening partnerships: From new collaborations with institutions like Tohoku University and the University of Sheffield to hosting international delegations and sending UW faculty and students abroad, we continue to strengthen our global network.
Ensuring health, safety, and compliance: Our Global Travel Health and Safety team supported thousands of UW travelers and launched new policies to ensure safe and compliant international engagement.
Looking ahead, our priorities remain clear: serving as the University’s global hub for engagement; supporting faculty in research, teaching, and developing and sustaining institutional international partnerships; expanding global learning opportunities for every UW student — locally, virtually, or abroad; providing robust global support for health, safety, and compliance; and building resources to fund faculty and student global experiences.
To reflect our evolving scope and vision, we are transitioning our name from the Office of Global Affairs to UW Global. This name underscores our role as the University’s gateway to international engagement, connecting faculty, students, and staff with global opportunities and fostering the cross-cultural innovation that defines us as a leading global university.
Ultimately, our mission is to serve you. Whether building financial resources for research or managing the complexities of international operations, our goal is to ensure UW remains at the forefront of global education.
It has been an honor to serve as your Vice Provost over the past year. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am excited for the momentum we will build together in 2026.
With gratitude,
Ahmad Ezzeddine, UW Vice Provost for Global Affairs