Sarah Walter
Senior Associate Dean for International Initiatives"I have found the University to be a tremendously talented and supportive community, and I have developed great friendships over the years."
Sarah Walter plays a vital role at the University of Chicago as a leader in the College’s international programs. In her role as Senior Associate Dean for International Initiatives, she supports a wide range of initiatives, including Study Abroad and the Boyer Center in Paris, collaborating closely with colleagues to create impactful global opportunities. Her leadership and dedication have earned her the respect of her peers, making her a valued leader at the University. Having first come to UChicago as a Master of Arts Program in the Humanities (MAPH) student, she later returned to contribute her expertise to the University’s expanding international presence. Over the years, she has worked under distinguished leaders and has been a key player in shaping the future of the College’s global engagement.
Q: Can you tell us about your role at the University of Chicago and provide a brief description of what you do?
I have the great pleasure of supporting the College’s international programs, including Study Abroad and the Boyer Center in Paris. I work closely with my colleagues in Study Abroad and at the Center in Paris to plan and oversee student programs, international partnerships, and faculty research opportunities.
Q: How long have you been with the University of Chicago, and what drew you here?
I came to the University in 2002-03 as a MAPH student and returned as a staff member in the Study Abroad office in 2007. I was inspired by the College’s unique approach to Study Abroad and the opportunity to support an expanding suite of programs at the Center in Paris, which was relatively new at the time. So much has changed since then, but the foundational principles of our programs have remained consistent over time.
Q: What are some highlights of working at the University of Chicago?
Working for two incredible deans – John Boyer and Melina Hale – has been a great highlight and a masterclass in leadership. We also have a remarkably accomplished and dedicated team in Study Abroad, now led by Elana Kranz, and it has been a pleasure to help the office grow over the years. In general, I have found the University to be a tremendously talented and supportive community, and I have developed great friendships over the years. Things move quickly and you can get a lot done in a day, so it’s a highly satisfying place to work!
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or moment from your time working with the UChicago Center in Paris?
I remember my first visit to the Center, meeting with our executive director Sébastien Greppo and his team. Even during those comparatively early years, the Center was so bustling and full of student life. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with many superb colleagues at the Center and occasionally joining excursions with the students, which is always a lot of fun.
Q: Can you discuss any recent or upcoming initiatives you’re working on that you are particularly excited about?
The opening of the new Boyer Center in Paris is currently at the top of the list! It’s been amazing to see this vision – many years in the making - come to life, and I am looking forward to the inaugural events in November.
Q: What impact do you hope the new Boyer Center in Paris will have on the academic and cultural life of the University?
We already have a number of new student programs planned for the Boyer Center, which will open up many more opportunities for Study Abroad. In addition, the new International Institute of Research in Paris (IIRP) has funded dozens of exciting faculty research projects with partners across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. We really want the Center to be a resource for the entire University and to support students, faculty, and alumni from around the world.
Q: How has your background in French and your personal study abroad experience in Tours, France shaped your approach to overseeing the College’s international programs?
I would have never anticipated that my own study abroad experience would so directly inform my professional life, but I feel very fortunate to have found this vocation. When I studied abroad, it was my first time traveling internationally, so I think that has helped me relate to our own students who are embarking on new experiences. It sounds cliché, but studying abroad really expanded my worldview in such important and enduring ways, and it taught me to be much more independent and resilient. Navigating a new culture in another language can be exhilarating, humbling, and growth-producing!
Q: How did you become interested in working in this field?
Prior to joining the University, I had been teaching French and humanities courses in area community colleges and was also working part-time for Northwestern’s Department of French & Italian. When I saw a job posting for UChicago’s Study Abroad office, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to combine my background in French and higher ed administration, and to return to UChicago!
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work at the University of Chicago?
I really believe in the value and impact of the programs that we offer and find it highly rewarding to see the vision of our faculty come to life in so many exciting international locations. I am also deeply grateful for my colleagues in Study Abroad and our partners around the world who go to extraordinary lengths to support our students and help them discover new ideas and places. Even though most of my work is behind a desk, I have had the opportunity to travel to many fascinating places where we have developed or expanded new programs.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I have two boys ages 13 and 7, so a lot of my free time is (happily) occupied by their activities. I recently started playing tennis again and have been taking classes at XS Tennis. I also love seeing live music and eating in Chicago’s many superb restaurants.