Dr. Roopa Rawjee, executive director of the Office of International Engagement (OIE), recently returned from France after participating in the Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) Award program—only to discover that she would soon be honored again, this time by her peers at the NAFSA Region V Conference with the Patti Jones Award for Outstanding Leadership.
The Fulbright U.S.–France IEA Program, part of the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Scholar Program, offers a two-week intensive seminar designed to strengthen international education leadership and foster U.S.-France higher education collaboration. The 2025 cohort included only 14 administrators nationwide, making Rawjee’s selection especially notable.
During the program, participants engaged with representatives from universities, research centers, and business schools in Reims, Troyes, and Paris, as well as government officials and international education professionals. The experience provided a deeper understanding of the French higher education system and opportunities for future collaboration.
“I aspired to a Fulbright award in 1998 when I was applying to be a graduate student in the U.S.,” Rawjee said. “At that time, there was a two-year home country requirement, and I knew there was no going back for me, so I had to give up on that dream. To receive this prestigious award now is both exhilarating and humbling at the same time.”
In addition to her Fulbright recognition, Rawjee was named the 2025 recipient of the Patti Jones Award for Outstanding Leadership, presented October 30 at the NAFSA Region V Conference. Named in honor of Patti Jones of Western Illinois University, this award recognizes exceptional leadership, mentorship, and service that strengthen the field of international education across Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators—the world’s largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange—the Patti Jones Award honors individuals whose contributions have advanced the professionalism and growth of the Region V community.
These dual honors highlight Dr. Rawjee’s continued leadership in advancing international engagement and education, both at Illinois State University and across the broader higher education landscape. Her Fulbright experience will help further Illinois State’s global partnerships, enhance collaboration opportunities, and inspire others to expand their international perspectives.
“I am excited to continue my contributions to Excellence by Design—Illinois State’s strategic plan—from co-chairing an action planning team to identifying and achieving clear objectives that meet our shared goals,” Rawjee said.
Learn more about the Fulbright IEA Awards, NAFSA Region V Awards, and Excellence by Design.
