Introducing: L&LI’s Chief Learning Officer and Associate VP of Academic Affairs
For over twenty years, Living and Learning International has been providing undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to study abroad in Christian community and earn course credit.
As Living & Learning programs around the world have grown, one pillar has remained steady and is a key element of the L&LI mission statement: "Living & Learning International exists to provide academically excellent global programs ..."
Excellent academics have always been a critical component of our programs. From opportunities in language immersion to Bible and theology courses that dive into the history of the church and spiritual formation, to public health, social work, and more, students have a wide variety of course offerings to choose from.
Not only do students find themselves in the classroom with accredited instructors, but they also get to apply their learning hands-on—in real time—in each L&LI program.
We're excited to announce two positions that will continue to center academic excellence within Living & Learning. Effective July 1, the positions of Chief Learning Officer and Associate VP of Academic Affairs will be filled by Amanda Avila Kaminski PhD and Donald K. Hawkins II, respectively.
We are proud to announce these individuals as essential parts of the team, as they both bring years of experience in higher education and experiential learning.
Dr. Amanda Avila Kaminski is a theologian and social innovator dedicated to the intersection of spirituality and peacebuilding. She chairs the board for the global network INFEMIT. Her recent co-edited volume, Resurrection and Contemporary Spirituality, engages senior spirituality scholars in a vital dialogue on how to cultivate an Easter faith in a world of violence and deconversion. Recognized by the Association for Theological Schools as one of 30 women shaping the future of the field, Dr. Kaminski is a leading voice in the evolution of North American theological education. Before joining Living & Learning, Dr. Kaminksi held the Hugo and Georgia Gibson Endowed Professorship at Texas Lutheran University, where she directed the Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship program.
Donald K. Hawkins II holds a Bachelor of Arts in African-American/Black Studies and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Religious Education. Recently published in Further Up: The Journal of Christian Study Abroad, Hawkins's writing, research, and instruction are examples of the intersection of creativity, theology, and history. Having served in international education as an Associate Director of Study Abroad, Associate Director of Academics, Study Abroad Program Director, and course instructor, he has multifaceted experience in advising and sending students to global education programs, teaching study abroad students, and directing an international program.
We're excited to welcome both Dr. Amanda Kaminski and Donald Hawkins to these positions, and we remain eager to serve students with impactful experiential learning and academically excellent opportunities domestically and abroad.