Dr. Suzanne Willever joined the Education Abroad team in 2014. As Associate Director, she oversees the office's academic initiatives and leads the outreach team to promote and support opportunities for diverse student populations from Temple and partner institutions across the U.S.
Suzanne develops our communication and outreach strategy, provides oversight for our digital platforms and print publications, oversees outreach and events on campus, returned student and alumni programming, and works closely with the institutional relations manager to support non-Temple students and partners. She also leads the unit's sustainability initiatives in collaboration with fellow sustainability advocates in the office, at our overseas campuses, and at the Office of Sustainability.
Suzanne grew up outside of Philadelphia, received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and worked as a professional event marketing manager and graphic designer before enrolling in the graduate program in Art History here at Temple. She studied abroad in Florence, Italy as an undergraduate and attended the Graduate Seminar in Aesthetics and Cultural Studies at Temple University Rome as a master’s student.
Suzanne completed her PhD in art history at Tyler School of Art and Architecture. Her dissertation, "Raphael's Galatea: Going Viral in Text, Paint, and Print in the Sixteenth Century," examined the role of viral transmission and intermediality in the creation and reception of an iconic work of art. She has taught art history courses, including the History of Graphic Design, Renaissance Masters and Art History Survey at Tyler School of Art and the History of Communications Design at the University of the Arts. Before coming to Education Abroad, Suzanne managed communications and events for Temple’s Teaching and Learning Center (now The Center for the Advancement of Teaching, or CAT), where she also completed the Teaching in Higher Education Certificate.
She currently serves as Marketing Communications Chair on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Council for International Education (PACIE) and is a member of the CANIE Climate Justice Working Group.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking for family and friends, spending time with her 4-legged furry creatures, traveling, yoga, and doing just about anything art-related.
What do you like about working in Education Abroad?
"Studying abroad was a transformative experience for me, and I am fortunate now to help others find their own path through study abroad. I especially enjoy working with our student storytellers. It is rewarding to watch the transformation that takes place over the course of the program, no matter where the students go."
Reach Dr. Suzanne Willever by email at suzanne.willever@temple.edu.