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Global Leadership
Meet Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela, VP for Global Engagement
An accomplished scholar and internationally respected leader in global education, Mabokela joins Rochester from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she served as associate chancellor and vice provost for global affairs and strategies and professor of higher education in the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership. Her distinguished career spans leadership roles in international education, equity and inclusion, and global partnership development across academic and governmental sectors.
As vice provost for global engagement, Mabokela serves as the University’s senior international officer, providing strategic leadership for the Office for Global Engagement. She oversees the Center for Education Abroad and the International Services Office, and leads efforts to expand international partnerships, enhance global education pathways, support international students and scholars, and elevates Rochester’s global reputation in alignment with the University’s strategic plan, Boundless Possibility.
Born in South Africa, Mabokela has studied and worked on six continents and brings a rich multicultural perspective to her work. She holds a PhD in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has served as a visiting scholar and consultant at institutions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Her research examines equity in global higher education systems, institutional transformation, and the experiences of marginalized populations in international contexts.
Wendy Fritz, Interim Assistant VP for International Services and Support
Wendy currently serves as the Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Support and Engagement and Director of the International Services Office. She has worked in international education for nearly twenty years and was delighted to begin her tenure here in 2021. Before coming to the University of Rochester, Wendy served international students at Marist University, SUNY Brockport, and Nazareth University. 
As an international educator, she has worked in global recruiting, English language education, immigration compliance, and support services. She has also served as adjunct faculty teaching the World’s Religions and Cross-Cultural Communication. She has participated in poster sessions, panel discussions, and presentations at multiple NAFSA and New York State international educator conferences.
Having been raised in a truly global household, she credits her parents for hosting students, scholars, and employees from Syracuse University with her lifelong love of international education, culture, diversity, and travel.
Tynelle Stewart, Assistant VP for Global Education and Director – Center for Education Abroad
With a focus on advancing education abroad, Ty leads efforts to expand study abroad programs, international internships, and global partnerships. Her strategic leadership has elevated the Center to exemplify best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engagement across the University community.
Ty has worked in the field of international education for over 25 years. As a steadfast advocate for international education, Ty actively contributes to shaping best practices in the field of global education. Her innovative approach continues to drive the University’s international engagement, making her a key leader in enhancing global learning opportunities at Rochester and beyond.
As a first-gen student, Ty did not have the opportunity to travel abroad until her professional career. Her first trip to Denmark was life changing and she now works to ensure access for all students that want an international experience during their college years.