Celebrating 30 Years of International & Global Studies

2026 marks a major milestone as Elon’s International and Global Studies (IGS) Program celebrates its 30th anniversary. What began with the ratification of the International Studies major in the 1995–1996 academic catalog and the conferral of the first degree in Spring 1996 has developed into a vibrant, interdisciplinary program. Across thirty years of growth and innovation, IGS has become a thriving community where passionate students and dedicated faculty come together to explore the political, cultural, economic and social forces shaping our interconnected world, making the program a hallmark of interdisciplinary and intercultural learning. As we reflect on the program’s past, present, and future, we recognize the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and emeritx colleagues, whose collective contributions have shaped – and continue to shape – the program’s lasting influence and meaningful impact.

 

 

“IGS has created outstanding opportunities to strengthen connections among Elon’s programs and has played a pivotal role in the development of Latin American Studies. Its exemplary academic mission offers students an excellent opportunity to study global politics through a contemporary and distinctive framework, providing them with high‑quality academic skills and cultural knowledge about both historical and current political phenomena. With a rich curriculum and an active campus life, IGS has pioneered programs in North Carolina and the U.S., delivering top‑tier education to our undergraduates. Latin American Studies is delighted to celebrate IGS’s 30th anniversary and is honored to continue its partnership with this prestigious program in the future.” – Juan Leal Ugalde, Associate Professor of Spanish and Coordinator of Elon’s Latin American Studies Program

“Especially in the current climate of global conflict and ultra-nationalist ideologies, the IGS program’s 30th anniversary reminds us that cultivating the values of global citizenship, international cooperation, and cross-cultural collaboration continues to be relevant – and indeed needed now more than ever before. I see this milestone anniversary as an opportunity to reaffirm our faith in those values and in our mission to educate and prepare this next generation for their international careers both here and abroad. It inspires me to look ahead to the next 30 years and beyond; when our substantive coursework, foreign language training, transformative study abroad, and real-world internship experience will attract even more IGS majors and expand our already vibrant world-wide network of IGS alumni.”  – Pamela D. Winfield, Professor of Buddhist Studies; Associate Director of IGS (2023-26); Former Coordinator of Asian Studies