Yana A. Cornish, EdD

As a former exchange student herself, Yana A. Cornish, EdD, knows firsthand the transformative impact of a global academic experience. Over the last 20 years, Cornish has been serving as an international education administrator in a public higher education setting. Her passion for working with study abroad and international students and the challenges they face when moving abroad is central to the work she is doing.

Cornish has a successful track record in increasing student participation in education abroad activities. In addition to expanding education abroad program offerings and increasing student participation, Cornish focuses her efforts on working with the campus community on risk management in study abroad; curricular integration of study abroad; assessment of student learning; securing financial support for international opportunities; maintaining financially sound operations, utilization of information technologies; and attracting diverse students to take part in global experiences.

She holds two master’s degrees and a doctorate in the area of education (curriculum and instruction) from the University of Northern Iowa. During her career in academia, in addition to her administrative duties, Cornish taught, conducted research, spearheaded several grant projects, and served on local and national committees among many other activities.

Education Abroad Leadership Awardee

Yana Cornish received the 2021 Education Abroad Leadership Award.