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

Prof. Jordan Gabbard
Jordan Gabbard teaches German language and culture courses at the University of Louisville, where he also serves as German Program Coordinator. He has enjoyed amazing and life-changing study abroad experiences as a student, faculty member, and program director on KIIS programs in Germany and Austria.
University: University of Louisville
Discipline: Germanic Culture

Dr. Luis Sierra
Luis M. Sierra is Associate Professor of History and Chair of the History Department and Law Program at Thomas More University. His teaching and research focus on Latin American history, urban history, memory, and public history. He is also faculty director of study abroad at Thomas More. He is excited to serve as Program Director for the KIIS Costa Rica program and to help students engage with global cultures and histories.
University: Thomas More University
Discipline: Honors / Environmental History

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. Anthony Cashio
Anthony Cashio is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. He earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in Philosophy from Southern Illinois University and his B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College. His teaching and research focus on ethics, value systems, social justice, and environmental philosophy. While new to KIIS he has been leading and participating in study abroad programs since 2016 and he is excited to help students engage directly with Italy’s rich history, culture, art, and intellectual traditions while cultivating a deeper global perspective.
University: The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Discipline: Honors / Philosophy

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

Prof. Becky Alley

University: University of Kentucky
Discipline: Art / Curatorial Studies

Dr. Christy D’Ambrosio
I am a pianist and professional advisor by trade, but my passion for study abroad began in high school during a summer language immersion program in Saint-Brieuc, France. My role as KIIS Paris 1 co-director is the natural extension of what has become a lifelong interest in the French language and culture, and I look forward to sharing this interest with you in Paris!
University: Murray State University
Discipline: French Culture

Dr. Charlotte Rich
I've taught abroad in Paris with KIIS several times since 2004, and since 2018, I've taught with and co-directed the Paris-Munich Winter program. I've been a professor of American Literature at EKU for twenty-five years. I enjoy the chance to foster life-changing cultural experiences and learning in Europe for my students.
University: Eastern Kentucky University
Discipline: English

Dr. Jeff Peters
I'm a 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
I'm an Assistant Professor of French at UK, where I teach courses on visual cultures.  I teach courses on film, art, and comics.  I created the Paris 2 program in 2006 and have loved meandering museums with students, sitting in cafés talking about the experience of Paris, and watching students make Paris their home away from home.  I can't wait to see what this year brings!!!
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: Northern Kentucky University
Discipline: Music

Dr. Jason Adkins
In addition to being a political science professor, I have been involved in study abroad since my first year at Morehead State in 2021. Directing study abroad programs allows me to enjoy new experiences with students and see them adapt and experience something different. I also love teaching students how politics works around the world and how it translates into a variety of public policies. I also recently taught on the KIIS Greece Winter program.
University: Morehead State University
Discipline: Political Science

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 can share my academic expertise while students develop their own understanding of the past as they explore the historical landscapes that 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. She is also the director of the Asian Studies Program and a Bingham Chair at Transylvania. Dr. Gao 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. Jianjun He
Jianjun is an Associate Professor of Chinese at the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Kentucky. He is currently the Director of the Foreign Language and International Economics Program at UK. His primary research focuses on early Chinese intellectual history but he also publishes articles on Tang and late imperial history and literature.
University: University of Kentucky
Discipline: Chinese, Asian 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