Lerner College Visiting Instructor Dan Alia recently earned the Study Abroad Faculty Director of the Year for Winter 2026 from the University of Delaware’s Center for Global Programs & Services.
Last summer Alia received a call from Suresh Sundaram, a marketing professor and long-time study abroad faculty director, offering him the opportunity to lead the Paris BUAD Winter Session program. Although excited by the opportunity, Alia said the role came with a steep learning curve. Over the next several months, he worked with the Study Abroad team to tailor his program properly to the Parisian culture, coordinate logistics, prepare students for the experience and plan for a month abroad — all while balancing a busy fall semester.
Through the months of preparation, Alia learned the detailed process of leading a study abroad program while getting to know the 17 students who would travel with him to Paris. Although it was his first time serving as a faculty director, students quickly recognized his enthusiasm, openness and willingness to make the experience meaningful for everyone involved. By the end of the Winter Session program, the impact Alia had made on the group was clear. Every student independently submitted a nomination recognizing him for Study Abroad Faculty Director of the Year.
Read the full UDaily story here.