Program Directors

Dr. Shawn Schulenberg
I’ve directed and taught study abroad programs in Argentina and Chile for over a decade. My courses explore politics, dictatorship, and democratization. Buenos Aires feels like a second home, and I love helping students connect academic ideas to the lived experiences and histories of the people around them.
University: Marshall University
Discipline: Latin American Studies, Political Studies

Dr. David Pizzo

University: Murray State University
Discipline: History, Holocaust Studies

Prof. Erin Howard
Erin Howard is Associate Dean of Global Learning at BCTC. She holds an M.A. in Spanish and Latin American Literature from the University of Tennessee and has taught with KIIS Costa Rica. Erin has led programs in South Africa and Ireland and loves to travel and build global partnerships.
University: Bluegrass Community & Technical College
Discipline: Cultural Studies, Latin American Studies, Spanish

Dr. Richard Cahill
I have taught and led study tours to the Middle East since 1993. I lived in Cairo, Egypt for six years, where I directed a semester-long academic program for students from the USA.  I speak fluent Egyptian-Dialect Arabic. I am excited to provide KIIS students with an opportunity to study in Egypt.
University: Berea College
Discipline: History, Middle Eastern Studies

Prof. Nashwa Cahill
I’ve taught Middle Eastern Dance for over 20 years.  I was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, and have performed and taught in Japan, Europe, the USA, and the Middle East. I’ve co-led several study tours in the region, and enjoys guiding students through rich cross-cultural learning experiences.
University: Berea College
Discipline:

Dr. Richard King
I've taught and led university study abroad programs in Italy and Greece since 1992. Since 2007, I've co-directed KIIS Summer and Winter programs in Greece. It is a joy to provide students new opportunities to learn and experience as they discover Greece.
University: Ball State University
Discipline: Classics, English

Dr. Myra Beth Bundy
I am a clinical psychologist and behavior analyst in my US-based academic life, and have had the privilege to teach with KIIS for the past eleven years, in over six different countries.  Working with KIIS students as we learn about and love our study abroad destination is a privilege.
University: Eastern Kentucky University
Discipline: Psychology

Dr. Richard King
I've taught and led university study abroad programs in Italy and Greece since 1992. Since 2007, I've co-directed KIIS Summer and Winter programs in Greece. It is a joy to provide students new opportunities to learn and experience as they discover Greece.
University: Ball State University
Discipline: Classics, English

Prof. Kathleen Quinn
Prof. Quinn is an archaeologist and classicist who brings the ancient Mediterranean to life through place-based learning. She teaches ancient history and material culture and has led students on study abroad programs in Greece, Italy, Turkey, and Egypt. She has been part of KIIS since 2009 and has served as a program director since 2025.
University: Northern Kentucky University
Discipline: Classics, History

Dr. Erik Liddell
Erik Liddell is a professor of humanities and honors at Eastern Kentucky University, where he has been teaching since 2009. Prior to EKU, he taught at the King’s College and Dalhousie (Nova Scotia), Valdosta State (Georgia) and Brock (Ontario). He earned his BA in Liberal Studies at Brock and his MA and PhD in Comparative Literature at the University of Toronto. He has been involved in the KIIS Italy program since 2017. He studies Italian, Latin, French and World Literature.
University: Eastern Kentucky University
Discipline: Cultural Studies, Italian Culture

Prof. Kelly Liddell

University: Eastern Kentucky University
Discipline: English, Honors

Prof. Ian Hagarty
Ian Hagarty is a Professor of Fine Arts at Marshall University. His artwork has been widely exhibited across the United States and Europe. He holds an MFA from Indiana University, as well as a MAT and BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. He has been involved with the KIIS program since 2013.
University: Marshall University
Discipline: Art

Prof. Makoto Nakamura
I have been teaching the Japanese language and culture in America since 2007. As a volunteer, I also had a unique opportunity to teach Japanese in a maximum-security prison in Auckland, New Zealand; an experience no one else seems to have. Now, as the Director of KIIS Japan, I look forward to sharing Japan’s long cultural traditions with you.
University: Northern Kentucky University
Discipline: Japanese

Dr. Zelideth María Rivas
Dr. Zelideth Rivas is the Assistant Provost for Global Education at Marshall University and the director of the Japan-Korea program, established in 2023. She is a professor of Japanese and specializes in popular culture. She enjoys teaching students about Asia while abroad.
University: Marshall University
Discipline: Asian Studies

Prof. Ashley Coker
I am the Director of Study Abroad at Ball State University and previously taught Communication Studies for 15 years. Mexico was where I studied abroad in college and remains my first love in global education. My family-in-law is from the Yucatán, and I’m happy to serve as students’ unofficial food guru in Maya Mexico.
University: Ball State University
Discipline: Communication

Dr. RayeCarol Cavender
As a professor of retail and tourism management, I view educational travel as integral for preparing students to become future professionals in a globalized world. I’ve traveled extensively with students, both domestically and abroad. Observing the transformative impact of these experiences on my students has been the highlight of my career, and I can’t wait to lead KIIS Netherlands next summer!
University: University of Kentucky
Discipline: Fashion Design & Merchandising

Dr. Francois Le Roy
As KIIS celebrates its 50th anniversary, I celebrate the fact that I have been involved with this wonderful organization for twenty of these years.  I have the privilege of having had a very satisfying career as a History professor and international educator, but nothing has been more gratifying than teaching on the Paris I program and then directing and co-directing it.  As a French native, it is always a renewed wonder to rediscover my home country through the eyes of students who first experience it. I look forward to sharing France with you.
University: Northern Kentucky University
Discipline: French

Dr. Sylvia Henneberg
Born and raised in Germany, I also spent formative years in France and have directed or co-directed KIIS programs in Berlin, Munich, and Paris since 2000. For me, the greatest thing about study abroad is sharing the cultures and places I love and watching how students grow to love them, too.
University: Morehead State University
Discipline: French

Dr. Jeff Peters
I'm Professor of French and Francophone Studies at the University of Kentucky, where I teach French literature and cinema. I've been teaching on the KIIS Paris 2 program for almost twenty years, and I absolutely love introducing students to the infinite and enduring wonders of Paris, my favorite place on earth!
University: University of Kentucky
Discipline: French

Dr. Jeorg Sauer

University: University of Kentucky
Discipline: French

Prof. David Dominé
I teach foreign languages and translation at Bellarmine University. I have an MFA in Writing from Spalding Univ., an MA in Spanish Literature from UofL, and an MA in German Literature from UC Santa Barbara. I have taught with and been the co-director of the KIIS Paris-Munich Winter Program since 2014.
University: Bellarmine University
Discipline: Cuisine & Culture

Dr. Randi Polk
I’m a Professor of French and Associate Director of the honors program at EKU. I have led students to Paris and Lyon for study abroad. I enjoy showing students how people live beyond stereotypes and how to find new places that are not just the popular destinations. I am interested in consumerism, culture and values. I love film, photography and contemporary literature.
University: Eastern Kentucky University
Discipline: Honors

Dr. Zbynek “ZB” Smetana
I was born in Prague. I hope to share my love of Prague with you. With the post-Cold War changes, Prague became a renowned destination for its arts, culture, and beauty.  My study abroad philosophy is inspired by Mark Twain's: "Travel is fatal to prejudice and narrow-mindedness, …" I hope this will also guide your experience.
University: Murray State University
Discipline: Art, Art History, Honors

Dr. Scot Buzza
As a musicologist with an international performing career, I am a passionate believer in study abroad. I lived and performed overseas for many years in Europe, Asia, and South America, and I have experienced firsthand the ways that travel and cultural exchange influence young musicians to grow, stretch, and blossom. I have been part of the KIIS Salzburg program since 2009 and look forward to introducing students to the rich culture and music history of this part of the world!
University: University of Kentucky/ Northern Kentucky University
Discipline: Music

Dr. Adrian Mandzy
My parents were refugees from Ukraine and I was raised in a Ukrainian and Polish community, learning to speak both languages. I directed my first study abroad program in 1991. I have researched battlefield archaeology, historical memory, and public history. Through KIIS, I am able to share my academic expertise while students develop their own understanding of the past as they explore the historical landscapes which surround them.
University: Morehead State University
Discipline: History, International Affairs

Dr. Abraham Prades
Abraham Prades is an Associate Professor of Spanish, Coordinator of the Spanish program, and Director of International Programs at Georgetown College, where he teaches courses in language and culture, Peninsular literature and film, Latin American film, as well as Spanish for the Professions.
University: Georgetown College
Discipline: Spanish

Dr. Inma Pertusa
Inma Pertusa, Professor of Spanish at Western Kentucky University, has over 25 years of experience directing and teaching in KIIS Spain programs. A native of Spain, she is committed to fostering global citizenship and intercultural competence through immersive study abroad experiences that connect students meaningfully with the Spanish language and culture.
University: Western Kentucky University
Discipline: Spanish

Dr. Melissa Stewart
I have been involved with KIIS and the Spain programs for over 30 years.  I spent my junior year studying in Madrid and fell in love with the country, which has inspired me to work to make it possible for students to live with families in Segovia and experience all Spain has to offer.
University: Western Kentucky University
Discipline: Spanish

Dr. Qian Gao
Dr. Qian Gao is a Professor of Chinese language, culture, and film studies at Transylvania University, who is also the director of the Asian Studies Program, and a Bingham Chair at Transy. Dr. Gao has led the KIIS China program for four years in the past and is currently the director of the KIIS Taiwan Program.
University: Transylvania University
Discipline: Chinese, Asian Studies, Film Studies

Dr. William Mkanta
Dr. William Mkanta, Professor of Health Administration at Western Kentucky University, directs the Tanzania Summer and Zanzibar Winter programs. Through his leadership, over 300 public health students have engaged in global learning and service. He cultivates cross-cultural exchange and educational impact through immersive international experiences for both faculty and students.
University: Western Kentucky University
Discipline: Public Health, Healthcare Administration

Dr. Ismail Karabas
I am a Turkish citizen living in the U.S. since 2013 and have visited Türkiye every year since. I’ve taught with KIIS in Mexico and the Netherlands, and in a university program in China. Having studied abroad in Europe myself, I’m excited to co-direct the KIIS study abroad program in Türkiye.
University: Murray State University
Discipline: Business, Marketing

Dr. Brittany Wood
I've been traveling to and from Turkey for over 15 years, working and studying in Izmir for 3 of those years. I studied International Relations—with a focus on Turkish politics—at Dokuz Eylül University, and I speak fluent Turkish. Since 2010, I've returned to Turkey every summer, and it feels like a second home to me. I'm truly excited to help KIIS students experience the richness of Turkish culture and history firsthand!
University: Murray State University
Discipline: Honors, Political Science

Dr. William Mkanta
Dr. William Mkanta, Professor of Health Administration at Western Kentucky University, directs the Tanzania Summer and Zanzibar Winter programs. Through his leadership, over 300 public health students have engaged in global learning and service. He cultivates cross-cultural exchange and educational impact through immersive international experiences for both faculty and students.
University: Western Kentucky University
Discipline: Public Health, Healthcare Administration