The Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship (TLS) Knowledge Community focuses on crosscultural competence, curriculum internationalization, engaging graduate students, faculty development, intercultural training, learning experiences of students at all levels, and scholarly research aimed at advancing the field.
Mission Statement
Equipping NAFSA members and other educators with the knowledge, research, and skills they need to engage in, encourage, and support positive change practices that results in the infusion of international, intercultural, and global knowledge into the ethos and outcomes of their own work and, more broadly, the work of their institutions and organizations.
To accomplish its mission, TLS:
- Identifies and makes accessible, within and beyond NAFSA, new and existing theoretical and empirical knowledge that improves practice.
- Brings innovative people, concepts, structures, and ideas to NAFSA conferences and other educational programming.
- Works with others to identify gaps in research and professional knowledge and engages the membership in filling those gaps.
- Promotes dialogue that motivates scholars, educators, practitioners, and administrators to collaboratively internationalize their organizations.
Connect with the Community
CIIT Network
Explore Curriculum Internationalization and Intercultural Training (CIIT) resources and network with peers.
RSC Network
Explore Research and Scholarship Connections (RSC) resources and network with peers.
Leadership Team
Meredith Henderson, EdD
Image
Go Global NC
Chair, Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)
As the executive director for Go Global NC, Meredith Henderson provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction to the organization; builds and leads local and global collaborative efforts to optimize global engagement; and oversees programs for educators and policy, community and business...
Zachary Frieders
Image
University of California Education Abroad Program
Past Chair, Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)
Frieders is the Associate Program Director for Study Center Operations at the University of California Education Abroad Program. He was the founding executive director of the UC Davis's Global Learning Hub, supporting the university's "Global Education for All" initiative through study abroad...
Dilnoza Khasilova, PhD
Image
North Idaho College
Chair-elect, Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)
Dilnoza Khasilova, PhD, is the director of the Adult Education Center at North Idaho College and currently serves as the Chair-elect for NAFSA's Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC). She is a founder of the Volunteer World Language and Culture program (alumni initiative...
Whitney Wotkyns
Image
Northeastern University School of Law
2026-27 Annual Conference Committee Member, TLS KC
Whitney Wotkyns is the Director of LL.M., Study Abroad, International Student Services, and the Visiting Scholar program at the Northeastern University School of Law as well as a scholar practitioner and communications expert with years of experience in teaching, research, and administration. She...
Kate Hellmann, PhD
Image
Washington State University
Coordinator, Programs and Resources (TLS KC)
Kate Hellmann, PhD, is a faculty administrator and researcher in the field of international education and TESOL. She has a PhD in Education with a focus on International Education and a Master's in Applied Linguistics. Spanish is her second language. She researches faculty experiences with...
Brian Seilstad, PhD
Image
Al Akhawayn University
Coordinator, Intercultural Communications & Engagement (TLS KC)
Brian Seilstad received his PhD from the Ohio State University's department of Education/Teaching and Learning with a focus on multicultural and equity studies. Currently he is the director of internationalization and partnerships at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco. Prior to this position...
Anjam Chaudhary, PhD
Image
Michigan State University
Network Leader, Curriculum Internationalization & Intercultural Training (TLS KC)
Anjam Chaudhary, PhD, is currently leading global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at the Office of International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University. She also directs the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program for which she developed a global DEI and intercultural...
Elenora Haag, EdD
Image
Wake Forest University School of Law
Research & Scholarship Connections Network Leader (TLS KC)
Elenora (Ellie) Haag, EdD, has been working for over 15 years in international education, managing international programs, partnerships, and agreements, including faculty-led study abroad programs, and working with sponsoring agencies such as Fulbright/IIE. She's been a NAFSA member since 2011...
If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments for the TLS KC team, please contact us.