Who We Are
Study Abroad prepares Â鶹´«Ã½ students for success in a world of interconnected peoples, cultures, and environments.
To offer and support quality, academically rigorous, and diverse education abroad programs and services for Â鶹´«Ã½ students.
- ±õ²Ô³Ù±ð²µ°ù¾±³Ù²âÌý—ÌýWe interact with students, faculty, staff, our educational partners, and each other in a respectful, transparent and honest manner.
- Service ExcellenceÌý— We strive to facilitate meaningful education abroad experiences for Â鶹´«Ã½ students by providing accurate, responsive, and high-quality service.
- DiversityÌý— We offer a wide range of education abroad program models, curricular opportunities, and geographic locations in recognition of the diverse backgrounds and academic interests of Â鶹´«Ã½ students.
- Intercultural DevelopmentÌý— We endeavor to foster intercultural competencies development through the programs we offer and support as well as an appreciation for and understanding of our interconnected human and natural environments. We base our actions on our shared belief in the transformative nature of international education.
- Collaboration —ÌýWe seek a win-win outcome for all involved.
Study Abroad prepares Â鶹´«Ã½ students for success in a world of interconnected peoples, cultures, and environments.
To offer and support quality, academically rigorous, and diverse education abroad programs and services for Â鶹´«Ã½ students.
- ±õ²Ô³Ù±ð²µ°ù¾±³Ù²âÌý—ÌýWe interact with students, faculty, staff, our educational partners, and each other in a respectful, transparent and honest manner.
- Service ExcellenceÌý— We strive to facilitate meaningful education abroad experiences for Â鶹´«Ã½ students by providing accurate, responsive, and high-quality service.
- DiversityÌý— We offer a wide range of education abroad program models, curricular opportunities, and geographic locations in recognition of the diverse backgrounds and academic interests of Â鶹´«Ã½ students.
- Intercultural DevelopmentÌý— We endeavor to foster intercultural competencies development through the programs we offer and support as well as an appreciation for and understanding of our interconnected human and natural environments. We base our actions on our shared belief in the transformative nature of international education.
- Collaboration —ÌýWe seek a win-win outcome for all involved.
Meet Our Team
Michael Dean
Deputy Director, Center for Global Engagement
Michael Dean serves as Deputy Director of the Center for Global Engagement at Â鶹´«Ã½ in Norfolk, VA where he has worked since 2001. In this role, he works with students, faculty, and staff to expand study abroad/study away opportunities as well as to further develop Â鶹´«Ã½'s global engagement efforts.
Michael has a Master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School for Public and International Affairs and a certificate in Latin American Studies from the Center for Latin American Studies. He has served in a variety of leadership positions withÌýÌýat the local, regional, and national level. Michael believes deeply in the power of international education to transform lives and help make the world a better place. It is this belief that fuels his passion for international education and why he has dedicated his life to it.
Michael lives in Norfolk with his wife and two children. They enjoy traveling, live music, and seeking new adventures whenever an opportunity presents itself.
Christine Clarke
Study Abroad Coordinator
Christine Clarke is the one the two Study Abroad Coordinators in the Office of Study Abroad at Â鶹´«Ã½, where she has worked since May 2022. Her role includes managing Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s exchange and affiliated study abroad programs, where she advises both inbound and outbound study abroad students to help facilitate what she believes are deeply impactful experiences that help make the world a better place. In addition to working for the Study Abroad office as a graduate student while in Â鶹´«Ã½'s M.S.Ed Higher Ed program, Christine's previous experience includes working with both international degree-seeking students and domestic study abroad students at universities in her native state of Florida.
Christine lives in Norfolk, where in her free time she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, spending time with friends, and attending the occasional BJJ class.
Nathan Owens
Study Abroad Coordinator
Nathan is a Study Abroad Coordinator for the Office of Study Abroad, where he develops and manages faculty-led programs and works with both students and professors to ensure these programs are accessible, impactful, and safe learning experiences. Prior to his position in the Office of Study Abroad, he was an instructor in Â鶹´«Ã½'s Department of World Languages and Cultures where he taught French and Latin. His participation in four study abroad programs as a student drive him to help others appreciate our world's rich cultural heritage.
Nathan lives in Norfolk with his wife, Liz, and their two cats, Tux and Hester. They enjoy traveling, boating, visiting with friends, cooking, and exploring Norfolk's restaurant and brewery scene.
Mary Crepeau
Office Manager
​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹Mary Crepeau serves as the Office Manager in the Office of Study Abroad. Her primary responsibilities include budgeting, scheduling, and keeping the office running smoothly. She has a wealth of experience both in higher education and the travel industry where she worked for Continental Airlines for twenty years.
Mary's work and personal travel have led her to Belgium, Canada, the Cayman Islands, England, France, and Germany. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and relaxing at the beach.
Michael Dean
Deputy Director, Center for Global Engagement
Michael Dean serves as Deputy Director of the Center for Global Engagement at Â鶹´«Ã½ in Norfolk, VA where he has worked since 2001. In this role, he works with students, faculty, and staff to expand study abroad/study away opportunities as well as to further develop Â鶹´«Ã½'s global engagement efforts.
Michael has a Master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School for Public and International Affairs and a certificate in Latin American Studies from the Center for Latin American Studies. He has served in a variety of leadership positions withÌýÌýat the local, regional, and national level. Michael believes deeply in the power of international education to transform lives and help make the world a better place. It is this belief that fuels his passion for international education and why he has dedicated his life to it.
Michael lives in Norfolk with his wife and two children. They enjoy traveling, live music, and seeking new adventures whenever an opportunity presents itself.
Christine Clarke
Study Abroad Coordinator
Christine Clarke is the one the two Study Abroad Coordinators in the Office of Study Abroad at Â鶹´«Ã½, where she has worked since May 2022. Her role includes managing Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s exchange and affiliated study abroad programs, where she advises both inbound and outbound study abroad students to help facilitate what she believes are deeply impactful experiences that help make the world a better place. In addition to working for the Study Abroad office as a graduate student while in Â鶹´«Ã½'s M.S.Ed Higher Ed program, Christine's previous experience includes working with both international degree-seeking students and domestic study abroad students at universities in her native state of Florida.
Christine lives in Norfolk, where in her free time she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, spending time with friends, and attending the occasional BJJ class.
Nathan Owens
Study Abroad Coordinator
Nathan is a Study Abroad Coordinator for the Office of Study Abroad, where he develops and manages faculty-led programs and works with both students and professors to ensure these programs are accessible, impactful, and safe learning experiences. Prior to his position in the Office of Study Abroad, he was an instructor in Â鶹´«Ã½'s Department of World Languages and Cultures where he taught French and Latin. His participation in four study abroad programs as a student drive him to help others appreciate our world's rich cultural heritage.
Nathan lives in Norfolk with his wife, Liz, and their two cats, Tux and Hester. They enjoy traveling, boating, visiting with friends, cooking, and exploring Norfolk's restaurant and brewery scene.
Mary Crepeau
Office Manager
​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹Mary Crepeau serves as the Office Manager in the Office of Study Abroad. Her primary responsibilities include budgeting, scheduling, and keeping the office running smoothly. She has a wealth of experience both in higher education and the travel industry where she worked for Continental Airlines for twenty years.
Mary's work and personal travel have led her to Belgium, Canada, the Cayman Islands, England, France, and Germany. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and relaxing at the beach.