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About Us

Learn more about the Office of Education Abroad & Away team. We strive to provide high-quality education abroad and away experiences to the Davidson student community, while advocating for international education and intercultural learning both on and off campus.  Don't forget to check our list of signature events that are held throughout the academic year, sign up for our newsletter, and to follow us on Instagram for a more detailed look at how education abroad can impact your academic journey. 


Mission Statement

The Office of Education Abroad supports Davidson College's Statement of Purpose to assist students in developing humane instincts and disciplined and creative minds. We do this by guiding students toward high-impact, intercultural academic experiences that enhance the liberal arts education and Davidson's on-campus curriculum.   Our staff is firmly committed to inclusive practices and seeks to support and empower all learners.  By facilitating engagement in programs that expose students to diverse global perspectives, our team helps them develop self-awareness and prepares them for lives of leadership and service.

Advising Philosophy

We encourage students to make informed decisions reflective of their interest, goals, and concerns by

  • Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment

  • Asking positive and open-ended questions

  • Identifying and exploring options together

  • Providing appropriate information and resources

As an institutional member of the Forum on Education Abroad and Diversity Abroad, and as active participants in the NAFSA: Association of International Educators and other professional organizations, our staff strives to uphold recognized standards of good practice in all programming.

Meet the Team

We are a devoted group of international education professionals, and we look forward to supporting Davidson students throughout their education abroad journeys and beyond.

 

Naomi Otterness

Naomi Otterness

Director of Education Abroad & Away

Phone: 704-894-2656

Email: naotterness@davidson.edu

 

 
Lauren Stikeleather

Lauren Stikeleather

Associate Director of Education Abroad & Away

Phone: 704-894-2455

Email: lastikeleather@davidson.edu

 
Kate Hermsmeyer

Kate Hermsmeyer

Education Abroad & Away Advisor

Phone: 704-894-2128

Email: kahermsmeyer@davidson.edu

Schedule an Appointment with Kate

 
Ben Borja

Ben Borja

Education Abroad & Away Advisor

Phone: 704-894-2558

Email: beborja@davidson.edu

Schedule an Appointment with Ben

 
Mel Zweifel

Mel Zweifel

Education Abroad & Away / Dean Rusk International Studies Program Coordinator

Phone: 704-894-2440

Email: mezweifel@davidson.edu