University Award for Excellence in International Education

The University Award for Excellence in International Education was created to recognize Binghamton faculty and staff for outstanding efforts in support of the University’s longstanding commitment to internationalization. It is one of the excellence awards handed out during a ceremony Oct. 27.

International education has been at the heart of Ellen H. Badger’s career since she graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor of arts degree in English in 1974. She began her duties as foreign student advisor for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in the 1980s, and since 1986, has been director of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, ensuring that each individual international student and scholar receives the assistance necessary to be successful at Binghamton. Her leadership and service begin at the campus level, but extend to the local community, the SUNY system and nationally. Her extraordinary compassion for the students and scholars she serves, and the diligence she brings to her role, have been critical to the success of internationalizing the campus. She regularly collaborates with offices in the divisions of academic affairs and student affairs to provide programs and services for international students, including providing exceptional support to our Turkish dual-diploma students. She also played a crucial, ongoing role helping our campus and community recover from the tragic shooting at the American Civic Association when our students and scholars were killed and injured. A tireless advocate for the international mission of the University, she is also a proactive leader and communicator who is always current with ever-changing legal issues and who gladly helps others navigate complicated regulations and Homeland Security restrictions for international students and scholars. A sought-after presenter, in particular for NAFSA: Association of International Educators, she was awarded its James O’Driscoll Distinguished Service Award in 2005.