Global Partnerships

The Global Partnerships team supports the work of maintaining Drake’s global partner relationships around the world: communicating with representatives from partner institutions, welcoming international delegations to campus, facilitating connectivity among our partners and Drake faculty, staff and students, and periodically reviewing our partnership agreements. This office also oversees inbound customized programs, such as the Young African Leaders Initiative. 

Our Partners

As a globally engaged institution, Drake University continually seeks cooperation with higher education institutions, government, and non-governmental entities throughout the world. Drake currently maintains 18 active partnerships in 14 countries. It is through these partnerships that innovative and collaborative projects are developed, such as joint faculty research, student travel seminars and customized short-term programs.

Collaborative Projects

Joint faculty and staff projects consist of collaboration among individuals at Drake and at least one other institution. These projects may or may not require a travel component to be successful – for example, joint research can often be completed virtually.

Scholars

As a visiting scholar, you are a valued member of our campus community. Staff in International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) will work to support you before you arrive and during your time here on campus.

Ambassador-in-Residence

Terry Branstad, former U.S. Ambassador to China and Governor of Iowa, is the Ambassador-in-Residence at Drake University. Branstad is available to meet weekly with Drake students, faculty, staff and clubs and will participate with lectures in a variety of classes each semester. In addition, the ambassador will host an annual symposium on U.S. relations with China, where he will bring high ranking government officials and thought leaders to campus. 

Customized Programs

Drake regularly welcomes students and professionals on-campus for customized inbound programs. In recent years, this has included a two-week leadership seminar for students from Uganda, a custom semester program on the U.S. legal system for students from China, and the Young African Leaders Initiative.