About Us
Learn more about the Office of Education Abroad & Away team. We strive to provide high-quality education abroad and away experiences to the Davidson student community, while advocating for international education and intercultural learning both on and off campus. Don't forget to check our list of signature events that are held throughout the academic year, and to follow us on Instagram for a more detailed look at how education abroad can impact your academic journey.
Mission Statement
The Office of Education Abroad supports Davidson College's Statement of Purpose to assist students in developing humane instincts and disciplined and creative minds. We do this by guiding students toward academic experiences abroad that enhance the liberal arts education and Davidson’s on-campus curriculum. Our staff facilitates engagement in programs that enable students to gain international and intercultural competence, develop self-awareness, and prepare themselves for lives of leadership and service.
Advising Philosophy
We encourage students to make informed decisions reflective of their interest, goals, and concerns by
- Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
- Asking positive and open-ended questions
- Identifying and exploring options together
- Providing appropriate information and resources
As an institutional member of the Forum on Education Abroad and as active participants in the NAFSA: Association of International Educators and other professional organizations, our staff seeks to follow best practices in education abroad programming.
Meet the Team
We are a group of devoted international education professionals, and we look forward to supporting Davidson students throughout their education abroad journeys and beyond.
Naomi Otterness
Director of Education Abroad & Away
Phone: 704-894-2656
Email: naotterness@davidson.edu
Lauren Stikeleather
Assistant Director of Education Abroad & Away
Phone: 704-894-2455
Email: lastikeleather@davidson.edu
Kate Hermsmeyer
Education Abroad & Away Advisor
Phone: 704-894-2128
Email: kahermsmeyer@davidson.edu
Ben Borja
Education Abroad & Away Advisor
Phone: 704-894-2558
Email: beborja@davidson.edu
Mel Zweifel
Education Abroad & Away / Dean Rusk International Studies Program Coordinator
Phone: 704-894-2440
Email: mezweifel@davidson.edu