
Dr. Jenny Lee
Vice President for Arizona International and Dean of International Education
Welcome to Arizona International!
I am the Vice President for University of Arizona International and Dean of International Education. Having experienced the transformative power of international education firsthand, as well as having worked as a professor of international higher education for over two decades, I believe in its profound impact on individuals, their families, and their communities. This ability to affect change is what makes international education so central in tackling the world's most pressing challenges, from poverty, to war and conflict, to climate change, and to disappearing ecosystems.
My personal experience and research background have taught me that an international education equips individuals with insight into the values of different cultures, an appreciation and understanding of the diverse world in which we live, and the ability to work across differences.
Our vision for University of Arizona International:
I intend for the University of Arizona to be a global leader in international education, making a positive and lasting impact on individuals and communities worldwide.
We use our global network of partnerships and microcampus locations to provide high-quality education, promote international collaboration, and broaden access to intercultural experiences for the entire University community. We support international student enrollment, ensure holistic support for international students upon arrival, and facilitate life-changing study abroad experiences for domestic students. We are committed to international engagement, enriching the University of Arizona, and making a positive impact worldwide.
I invite you to learn more about us: who we serve, the work we do, and how you can become involved in cultivating a strong international community here at the University of Arizona and around the world.
Thank you,
Dr. Jenny Lee
Biography
Dr. Jenny J. Lee serves as Vice President of Arizona International, Dean of International Education, and CEO of University of Arizona Global Operations. In these roles, she leads innovative initiatives that expand the university’s global footprint while advancing academic excellence and societal impact.
An internationally recognized scholar and higher education leader, Dr. Lee is a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in education policy and practice. Her groundbreaking research—spanning over 150 publications—has shaped global discourse on higher education policy, cross-border collaboration, and international academic practices. She ranks among the top 2% of the world’s most cited scholars and is frequently featured in leading media outlets, including The New York Times, Reuters, The Atlantic, Nature, and Science.
Dr. Lee has successfully bridged scholarship and practice, advancing access, equity, and innovation in international education. At the University of Arizona, she has led transformative efforts such as global micro-campuses and transnational education models that bring high-quality education to students worldwide. Under her leadership, the university was recently honored with the NAFSA Excellence in Comprehensive Internationalization Award.