SUNY COIL Community
Engagement Leaders
2025-2026
Join us in congratulating the 2025-2026 SUNY COIL Community Engagement Leaders! The earners honored with this distinction is an exemplary SUNY COIL practitioner. One who is qualified and willing to share their experience, expertise, support, and time, and has made the commitment to act as an exemplar coach/mentor, presenter, SUNY COIL Idea Hub moderator, and/or leader in the SUNY COIL Community. They demonstrate evidence of their leadership, contributions, and active engagement in activities, events, and /or online forums in the SUNY COIL Community. SUNY COIL Community Engagement Leadership badges honor contributions to the community by those who provide leadership within the community.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact Hope Windle, Director of the SUNY COIL Center, at hope.windle@oneonta.edu.
Jayson Deese
Virtual Exchange Manager, IU Global Indianapolis
United States
This award honors Jayson J. Deese for his inspiring energy and spirit of exploration in advancing the COIL + Technology Idea Hub. Through his engaging workshops, broad professional network, and innovative, inclusive approach, Jayson exemplifies the collaborative and globally connected leadership that defines the SUNY COIL community.
Learn more about Jayson
This award honors Jayson J. Deese with the Community Engagement Leadership Award and Badge Recognition for his inspiring energy, creativity, and spirit of exploration in advancing the COIL + Technology Idea Hub. Jayson’s leadership plays a vital role in strengthening the SUNY COIL community by fostering innovative, inclusive, and globally connected learning environments that bridge pedagogy and technology.
Through engaging, hands-on workshops, Jayson empowers educators to confidently explore digital tools that enhance virtual exchange and collaborative learning. His ability to translate complex technologies into accessible, practical strategies encourages participation across disciplines and experience levels. Drawing upon his broad professional network, he brings together diverse perspectives and expertise, enriching the Idea Hub and expanding opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
Jayson’s approach centers community building, curiosity, and shared discovery, creating welcoming spaces where experimentation and dialogue thrive. His work not only supports individual professional growth but also advances the collective capacity of SUNY COIL to innovate responsibly and inclusively. The sustained impact of his leadership is evident in increased engagement, strengthened connections, and the integration of technology-driven practices across COIL initiatives. For these contributions, Jayson J. Deese is celebrated for this SUNY COIL Community Engagement Leadership Award and Badge.
Betsy Eudey
Professor of Gender Studies and COIL Coordinator, CSU Stanislaus
United States
Dr. Betsy Eudey is recognized for her seminal leadership in the COIL Idea Hub on Critical Interculturality. By sharing her own professional development practices, hosting engaging discussions, activities, and diverse speakers, she creates inclusive spaces that spark reflection and make all participants feel welcome and valued.
Learn more about Betsy
Dr. Betsy Eudey is recognized for her seminal leadership and sustained commitment to community engagement through her role as moderator of the COIL Idea Hub on Critical Interculturality. With intention and care, Dr. Eudey cultivates a collaborative learning environment that centers inclusivity, dialogue, and mutual respect. By openly sharing her own professional development practices and pedagogical reflections, she models critical self-awareness and invites others to engage authentically in the learning process.
Through thoughtfully facilitated discussions, interactive activities, and the inclusion of diverse guest speakers, Dr. Eudey creates dynamic spaces that encourage participants to examine intercultural perspectives and challenge assumptions. Her leadership ensures that voices from varied backgrounds are not only present but meaningfully engaged, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among participants.
Dr. Eudey’s work in the COIL Idea Hub extends beyond moderation; it builds a vibrant intellectual community grounded in critical interculturality. Her ability to connect theory with practice empowers educators to translate reflective dialogue into actionable teaching strategies. This impact exemplifies the spirit of community engagement and makes Dr. Eudey a deserving recipient of the Community Engagement Leadership Award and Badge of Recognition.
Alexander Masardo
Senior Lecturer in Education, School of Education, Health and Sciences, University of Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
Dr. Alex Masardo is honored for his exceptional energy, expertise, and mentorship in leading the COIL + Research Idea Hub. His deep knowledge of research and publishing has guided postdocs, graduate students, and COIL practitioners alike, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and academic empowerment across the global COIL community.
Learn more about Alexander
Dr. Alex Masardo has brought exceptional energy, expertise, and mentorship to the COIL + Research Idea Hub, playing a key leadership role in cultivating a vibrant space for academic exploration and growth. With his deep knowledge of research methodologies and publishing pathways, Dr. Masardo has become an invaluable guide to postdocs, graduate students, and COIL practitioners alike.
His supportive and approachable style has encouraged participants to explore the full range of research possibilities within COIL and Virtual Exchange, while his practical insights have helped demystify the publishing process across various academic contexts. Whether introducing new frameworks, sharing publishing strategies, or sparking meaningful dialogue, Dr. Masardo consistently fosters an environment of curiosity, collaboration, and academic empowerment.
For his inspiring leadership, generous mentorship, and unwavering commitment to advancing research within the COIL community, Dr. Alex Masardo is highly deserving of the SUNY COIL Community Leadership Engagement Badge of Recognition.
Frederic Matthè
University of Potsdam
Germany
Frederic Matthè exemplifies community engagement leadership through his co-moderation of the COIL + Technology Idea Hub. He brings deep instructional design expertise, a European perspective and an encyclopedic knowledge of COIL practices from the University of Potsdam, fostering collaboration and innovation across institutions.
Learn more about Frederic
Frederic Matthè is recognized with the Community Engagement Leadership Award and Badge Recognition for his exemplary contributions as co-moderator of the COIL + Technology Idea Hub. Through his thoughtful leadership, Frederic strengthens the SUNY COIL community by fostering collaboration, innovation, and shared learning across institutional and national boundaries.
Bringing deep expertise in instructional design, Frederic offers invaluable guidance on aligning pedagogy, technology, and intercultural learning outcomes. His European perspective and encyclopedic knowledge of COIL practices, informed by his work at the University of Potsdam, enrich discussions and expand participants’ understanding of global virtual exchange. As a co-moderator, he consistently creates inclusive, collegial spaces where educators feel supported in exploring new approaches and refining their practice.
Frederic’s ability to connect theory with real-world application encourages meaningful experimentation and sustainable innovation. His contributions elevate the quality of dialogue within the Idea Hub and promote cross-institutional partnerships that extend beyond individual sessions. Through his commitment to shared expertise and community building, Frederic exemplifies the collaborative and globally engaged leadership that defines SUNY COIL. His impact is reflected in strengthened professional networks, enhanced instructional design practices, and a more connected international learning community, making him a deserving recipient of this award and Badge Recognition.
Zoe Petropoulou
Associate Professor of French & Senior Director for Global Engagement, St. John’s University
United States
Dr. Zoe Petropoulou is a visionary leader whose creation of the COIL + Careers Idea Hub has transformed COIL from an academic exchange into a career-shaping experience. By aligning COIL with NACE competencies and promoting digital credentials, she empowers students to turn global learning into tangible, career-ready skills.
Learn more about Zoe Petropoulou
Dr. Zoe Petropoulou is a trailblazer in the COIL community whose visionary leadership and innovative thinking have had a profound and lasting impact on the integration of global learning and career readiness. As the original mind behind the COIL + Careers Idea Hub, Dr. Petropoulou has elevated the conversation around COIL’s potential, shifting it from a powerful academic experience to a transformative, career-shaping journey for students.
Recognizing the deep alignment between COIL experiences and the NACE competencies essential for today’s workforce, Dr. Petropoulou has championed the idea that universities must move beyond implementation and toward intentional leverage of these programs. She understands that COIL is not just about cultural exchange—it’s about equipping students with tangible, recognized skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and global fluency.
Through her leadership, she has created a vibrant, inclusive forum for educators, coordinators, and institutions to explore and share diverse approaches to recognizing student achievement—such as digital badging and credentialing—that honor and amplify the skills gained through COIL. Her efforts ensure that students are not only enriched by their global experiences but also empowered to articulate and showcase those skills in meaningful, career-oriented ways.
Dr. Petropoulou’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and equity has made her a cornerstone of the COIL community. Her ability to inspire others and build structures that celebrate student growth makes her deeply deserving of the SUNY COIL Community Leadership Engagement Badge of Recognition.
Migdalia E. Rodríguez Rosales
Maestra de Licenciatura en Enseñanza del Inglés, Universidad de Sonora
Mexico
Dr. Migdalia Rodriguez is honored for her enthusiastic leadership in the COIL Idea Hub on Critical Interculturality. Through engaging discussions, cultivating a selection of diverse speakers, and inclusive dialogue, she fosters deeper understanding and connection, exemplifying the spirit of collaboration and global community in SUNY COIL.
Learn more about Magdalia
Dr. Migdalia Rodriguez is honored with the Community Engagement Leadership Award and Badge Recognition for her enthusiastic and impactful leadership as a moderator of the COIL Idea Hub on Critical Interculturality. Through her thoughtful facilitation, Dr. Rodriguez cultivates a vibrant and inclusive learning community that advances intercultural understanding and meaningful global engagement across the SUNY COIL network.
Dr. Rodriguez leads engaging discussions that invite participants to reflect critically on cultural perspectives, power, and positionality. By curating a diverse selection of speakers and voices, she ensures that multiple viewpoints are represented and valued, enriching dialogue and deepening collective learning. Her inclusive approach creates welcoming spaces where participants feel encouraged to contribute openly and learn from one another.
Beyond moderation, Dr. Rodriguez exemplifies the spirit of collaboration that defines SUNY COIL. Her leadership strengthens connections among educators, supports professional growth, and models best practices in critical intercultural pedagogy. The impact of her work extends beyond individual sessions, inspiring sustained engagement and application in teaching and learning contexts. Dr. Rodriguez’s commitment to community building, global awareness, and shared learning makes her a deserving recipient of both the Community Engagement Leadership Award and Badge Recognition.
Alina Slapac
Associate Professor of Action Research, University of Missouri – St. Louis
United States
Dr. Alina Slapac is recognized for her visionary and sustained leadership within the global COIL and Virtual Exchange community. As Associate Professor of Action Research at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), her scholarship bridges teacher development, participatory action research, and the internationalization of teacher education through socially just and critically grounded COIL/VE practices.
Learn more about Alina
Since 2025, Dr. Slapac has served as Co-Moderator of the COIL + Research Idea Hub Series hosted by the SUNY COIL Center, where she has cultivated an inclusive and intellectually rigorous space for educators to deepen their research capacity. Recognizing a critical need for mentorship around COIL scholarship and publishing, she has helped create a forum that supports faculty and graduate students in transforming innovative global collaborations into research-informed contributions to the field.
Dr. Slapac served as Guest Co-Editor of the Journal of Virtual Exchange IVEC 2024 Special Issue, guiding authors through the publication process with clarity, methodological precision, and generosity. Her editorial leadership extends to her role as Section Head Editor (2025–2026) for the Education and Teacher Development section of the forthcoming Handbook of Virtual Exchange Across Disciplines: Building Global Citizens from Home (Springer; Editor: Kelly Tzoumis), further strengthening research at the intersection of virtual exchange and educator preparation.
Besides numerous articles and book chapters, her contributions to the field also include co-editing three books: Encouraging Transnational Learning through Virtual Exchange in Global Teacher Education (IGI Global, 2024), Handbook of Research on the Global Empowerment of Educators and Student Learning through Action Research (IGI Global, 2021), and Beyond Language Learning Instruction: Transformative Supports for Emergent Bilinguals and Educators (IGI Global, 2019). Through these works, she advances scholarship on global teacher education, practitioner inquiry, and transformative supports for multilingual learners.
Through her international partnerships across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, Dr. Slapac continues to build research-informed COIL practice while mentoring educators globally. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, scholarly rigor, and the transformative potential of virtual exchange in higher education.
Sharmila Udayavar
Associate Director for Global Education, UNC Chapel Hill
United States
Dr. Sharmila Udyavar exemplifies the very spirit of collaborative innovation and leadership that the SUNY COIL Community Leadership Engagement Badge of Recognition seeks to honor. As the dynamic lead of the COIL + Careers Idea Hub, Dr. Udyavar brings not only a deep understanding of global learning but also an inspired and practical vision for what institutions must do to make COIL a transformative experience for all stakeholders—students, faculty, and coordinators alike.
Learn more about Sharmilla
Dr. Sharmila Udyavar exemplifies the very spirit of collaborative innovation and leadership that the SUNY COIL Community Leadership Engagement Badge of Recognition seeks to honor. As the dynamic lead of the COIL + Careers Idea Hub, Dr. Udyavar brings not only a deep understanding of global learning but also an inspired and practical vision for what institutions must do to make COIL a transformative experience for all stakeholders—students, faculty, and coordinators alike.
Her work is marked by a unique ability to connect the conceptual with the actionable. Under her guidance, the COIL + Careers Idea Hub has evolved into a vibrant space where possibilities turn into projects, and where cross-institutional partnerships are cultivated with purpose and care. She consistently challenges institutions to think beyond the classroom, urging them to leverage COIL not just as a pedagogical tool, but as a powerful vehicle for career readiness, global citizenship, and equity in international education.
Through strategic insight, deep empathy, and tireless commitment, Dr. Udyavar fosters a culture of inclusion and innovation. Her leadership has sparked countless ideas and initiatives that have empowered both educators and students to see themselves as global actors. Her advocacy for robust institutional support systems and her thoughtful mentorship of fellow COIL coordinators continue to leave a lasting impact across the global COIL network.
Dr. Sharmila Udyavar is not only a leader in title but a leader in action—and richly deserving of this recognition for her visionary contributions to the SUNY COIL community.