Samba Dieng of LSU's Global Engagement Office Named Senior International Officer of the Year by the Institute of International Education

BATON ROUGE - The Institute of International Education (IIE) has recognized Dr. Samba Dieng, Associate Vice Provost for Global Engagement, with the prestigious 2025 Senior International Officer (SIO) of the Year Award. This annual honor is reserved for a leader who demonstrates extraordinary vision in international education, with honorees selected by a distinguished panel of global peers.

"IIE is grateful for Samba's vision and leadership in the international education field, especially as we share the simple principle that the more international education we have, the more peaceful and vibrant world that we will all have," said Jason Czyz, IIE's President and CEO.

The recognition comes at a time of significant growth for LSU's international footprint. Dr. Dieng has led transformative efforts across the university, providing strategic vision to seven units within the Office of Global Engagement. In partnership with the American Council on Education (ACE), he guided an 18-month institution-wide strategic planning process that resulted in departmental restructuring, the creation of new leadership roles, and the digitalization of international advising systems.

"This recognition reflects not only Samba's leadership, but our campus's shared commitment to advancing internationalization as a core strength," said Interim Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Provost Troy Blanchard. "We are proud to be operating at the highest level in this space, where the work is ultimately about expanding opportunity and improving student learning. By preparing our students to engage thoughtfully and effectively in an increasingly interconnected world, we are strengthening both their outcomes and the future they will help shape."

Dr. Dieng's work has prioritized accessibility and innovative programming, ranging from the Pre-Scholar's Academy (PSA) Global Learning Program in West Africa to specialized study abroad opportunities for student-athletes and first-generation students. His efforts have further extended to international internships in Central America and LSU's participation in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Beyond LSU's campus, he launched a major multi-institutional SIO Africa Engagement initiative involving over 30 universities across the U.S. and Africa - an effort featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2025, Dr. Dieng was named one of the "50 Voices in International Education" in the Americas by the Professionals in International Education (PIE), and, under his leadership, LSU also received the IIE Heiskell Award for innovation in strategic partnerships.

For Dr. Dieng, the recognition is both professional and deeply personal. "This award carries a very special weight for me; having once arrived in the United States as an international student myself, I know firsthand the transformative power of international education," Dieng said. "To now be recognized for leading these same efforts is a full-circle moment I could never have imagined."

He credited the success of these programs to the collaborative spirit at LSU, noting that the honor is a reflection of the tireless dedication of his colleagues in the Office of Global Engagement.

About the LSU Office of Global Engagement

The LSU Office of Global Engagement advances LSU's global mission by fostering international learning, collaboration, connection, and exchange. Reporting subunits include International Student Services, the International Faculty & Scholars Office, Study Abroad, the Global Community Center, Global Partnerships, and Global Travel, Safety, and Security (GTSS), which together provide international student and scholar support, global learning opportunities, partnership development, and programming that support LSU's community of students, faculty, scholars, and partners. To learn more, visit lsu.edu/global-engagement.