Stephen Appiah-Padi, PhD

Stephen Kodjo Appiah-Padi, PhD, is a distinguished international education leader and scholar-practitioner with more than 30 years of professional experience in Ghana, Canada, and the United States. His career has focused on advancing global learning, institutional internationalization, and ethical engagement through academically grounded and strategically aligned initiatives. Appiah-Padi most recently served as director of the Office of Global and Off-Campus Education at Bucknell University, where he led the development of education abroad programs, strengthened institutional partnerships, and advanced comprehensive approaches to global learning. His work has been especially influential in expanding sustained and reciprocal engagement with Africa, supporting the continent’s role as a strategic partner in international education.

A longtime contributor to NAFSA, Appiah-Padi served on the Board of Directors and held multiple leadership roles, including chair of the Africa Special Interest Group, the Africa Forum Planning Committee, Trainer Corps Workshop Dean, and membership in the Education Abroad Knowledge Community and the Leadership Development Committee. Through his service, he has supported professional dialogue, equity-centered practice, and collaboration across the international education community. He is widely recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and enduring contributions to the field of international education.