An initiative of the State Department, the Fulbright Specialist Program sends U.S. faculty and professionals abroad to serve as consultants on a variety of projects at academic institutions, with visits typically lasting for two to six weeks.

Romblon established its International Relations Office in 2020, and Blondin will work with its leaders to develop a comprehensive strategic plan.

“I believe in the transformative power of international education, and I want to assist others in increasing internationalization activities,” said Blondin, Ph.D., who served as a Fulbright Specialist in Brazil in 2018 to assist universities there with similar efforts.

Gianinna Elaine M. Labicane, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs and services and director of international relations at Romblon State University, said in addition to the university’s senior leaders and its international relations staff, Blondin will meet with members of the university’s faculty to explore ways of further integrating internationalization into teaching, curriculum development and classroom practice.

“We are so excited for the work that Dr. Blondin will be doing at our university. As an institution that’s new to internationalization, we are so grateful for her insights and expertise that will help us set the strategic direction to our global initiatives,” Labicane said. “Her presence here also signifies a transformative moment for Romblon State University, and we hope that through her work as our Fulbright Specialist, our dream of bringing RSU to the world, and the world to RSU becomes closer to reality.”

Blondin came to VCU in 2013 to direct VCU Globe, a living-learning program focused on world engagement. Her other leadership roles at VCU have included serving as executive director of the GEO and associate vice provost of global initiatives.

Blondin was honored by the Institute of International Education with its 2023 Senior International Officer of the Year Award. She was also named by PIE Insider as one of its 50 Voices of North America for 2023.

Blondin said assisting Romblon this summer is a fortuitous opportunity to share lessons learned from her extensive work at VCU.

“I led an ambitious strategic plan for internationalization at Virginia Commonwealth University,” she said, “and am conversant with the opportunities, challenges and areas for growth.”