Global
R. Michael Paige
R. Michael Paige has made outstanding contributions to global education and international programs as a researcher, teacher, scholar, adviser, administrator, and program developer. He has worked tirelessly to promote the international and global character of the University.
Dr. Paige co-founded the Comparative and International Development Education master’s and doctoral programs at the University of Minnesota. This ground-breaking and innovative program has become one of the premiere degree programs in international education.
His leadership was central to the development of the Maximizing Study Abroad series of books and program materials emphasizing the role of intercultural and language learning in study abroad. The materials are widely used at the University of Minnesota, across the country, and around the world.
He has contributed to several of the largest, most complex, and widely admired research studies on study abroad outcomes, including the landmark Study Abroad for Global Engagement (SAGE). In total, he has authored, edited, and co-authored 11 books, 60 publications, and 64 training manuals.
His early career was spent working with mentor Dr. Josef Mestenhauser in the University’s Office of the International Student Adviser, which was recognized as the flagship program for international students and scholars in the nation. He played a critical leadership role in developing the office and shaping the current International Student and Scholar Services.
Dr. Paige’s impact extends beyond the campus. He promoted civic engagement in China, improved higher education in Kenya as a Fulbright Scholar, established a metric to assess internationalization, contributed to the professionalization of intercultural and international education in Japan, and enhanced intercultural education and training programs in Australia, just to name a few.
Dr. Paige’s outstanding reputation as an influential international and intercultural educator has contributed to the University of Minnesota being considered one of the world’s leading institutions of international education.