Florida State University Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark has appointed Louisa Blenman as executive director of International Programs.
Blenman, who has served as interim director since May 2024, will officially start in the role on Dec. 5.
“FSU’s International Programs open doors to the world for our students, and Lou Blenman’s appointment as executive director marks an exciting new chapter,” said FSU Provost James Clark. “Her vision and experience will help us deepen global partnerships and create transformative opportunities that prepare students to lead in a rapidly changing world.”
Blenman will build upon 30 years of experience and expertise in international education. She has worked for FSU International Programs since 2004 and served as associate director since 2018. She also currently serves on the boards of charities and foundations associated with each FSU international study center and the FSU International Programs Association direct support organization.
“Lou Blenman’s appointment as executive director reflects her years of leadership and expertise at FSU and in the field of study abroad,” said Steve McDowell, FSU’s assistant provost for International Initiatives. “Her vision will ensure FSU continues to offer world-class global opportunities for our students.”
FSU is a national leader in international education, ranking 10th among public universities (No. 12 overall) for the total number of students studying abroad in 2023-2024, with 2,702 students participating in global programs. FSU also ranks first among public universities (and No. 4 overall) for the number of students participating in long-term study abroad programs, leading the field in extended international education experiences.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of FSU’s innovative First Year Abroad program, with a record 314 students enrolled this fall — a testament to the university’s commitment to expanding transformative global opportunities for its students.
“I appreciate Provost Clark’s confidence in me to lead the International Programs team as we build on our successful history and pursue new opportunities abroad,” Blenman said. “It is an honor to have so many talented colleagues, both domestically and internationally, who work tirelessly to provide transformative experiences for our students. I look forward to continuing to support the university’s strategic efforts and aspirations.”
Before International Programs, Blenman spent a decade working in study abroad in London after completing a prestigious internship at the Fulbright Commission.
Blenman is a two-time graduate of FSU. She earned a Master’s in Higher Education from the College of Education (now the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences) in 1994 and an MBA from the College of Business in 2012.
She succeeds Jim Pitts, who retired in 2024 after a 56-year career at Florida State.
To learn more about International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu.