Profile for Betsy Morgan

UWL Provost Betsy Morgan received the 2026 W. Carl Wimberly Founder's Award for International Partnerships at the 61st Annual International Banquet 2026 on April 18 in La Crosse.

The W. Carl Wimberly Founder's Award for International Partnerships was established to recognize an outstanding person that has contributed to the development of long-term excellence in international programming. Morgan is truly a deserving recipient of the Wimberly Award for her extraordinary and sustained contributions to international education at UWL.

As the leader overseeing International Education & Engagement, Morgan has ensured that global engagement is never an afterthought, but a clear priority—so much so that every dean understands an international goal belongs squarely in their annual plan…whether they were expecting it or not. Morgan has always been willing to open her calendar — and her home — to visiting international partners, graciously hosting colleagues from around the world. She even welcomed guests to celebrate an international partnership that brought together local and global partners. Her genuine hospitality reflects her belief that international education is built on relationships, trust and shared purpose—and, occasionally, a well-timed meal and a very full living room.

What stands out most — both now and long before she became provost — is how Betsy has always made people feel heard. Whether working with domestic or international colleagues, she listens with intention, advocates for diverse perspectives and elevates voices that might otherwise go unnoticed. Even before it was formally her role, she championed international education and cultural exchange — not just for students, but for faculty, staff, and administrators as well. She has always understood the bigger picture: that meaningful global engagement requires institutional commitment, and that leadership support truly matters…even if it sometimes means gently — but persistently — nudging the rest of us in that direction.

During some of the most challenging periods in UWL’s international education history, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgan’s leadership never wavered. When global mobility came to a halt and uncertainty prevailed, she understood that our work had not stopped — despite assumptions that International Education & Engagement had somehow “closed up shop.” She recognized the ongoing, behind-the-scenes labor required to support international students, sustain partnerships and reimagine global learning.

Morgan also invested in building a database of UWL faculty and staff with international backgrounds, language skills, regional expertise, and cultural experiences — strengthening our campus community and expanding institutional capacity. She championed COIL courses with international partners, allowing students to develop global competence from home — an initiative embraced by both students and faculty, and one that proved you don’t always need a passport to have a meaningful international experience. Morgan has also led by example, directing a faculty-led program to Ireland, participating in international delegation visits—most notably to China and Egypt — and consistently encouraging others to pursue global opportunities. She has been a steadfast advocate at both the institutional and system levels, a reliable sounding board during times of federal uncertainty, and a champion of creativity in building new partnerships. She approaches every interaction with kindness, compassion, level-headedness, and a great sense of humor — often delivered at just the right moment.

Thank you, Betsy, for your leadership and your support. You are truly one of a kind.

Submitted on: April 20

Betsy Morgan, Provost's Office, authored the article "Provosts' Perspectives" in AIEA (Leaders in International Education Administrators), published on Feb. 26 by AIEA.

Submitted on: Feb. 27, 2025

Becky Vianden, Academic Advising Center & Career Services; and Sandra Grunwald and Betsy Morgan, both Provost's Office; co-authored the article "Improved Student Experience with Advising at a Comprehensive University: NSSE Results and Planful Responses" in Assessment Update published on May 30 by Wiley.

Submitted on: June 1, 2023

Brenda Leahy, Michele Nauman and Kalia Vang, all Academic Advising Center & Career Services; Ana Mendoza and Corey Sjoquist, both Admissions; Kaylie Connaughty, Heather Dutcher, Britney Heineman, Jake Speer and Maren Walz, all Advancement; Michael Abler and Renee Redman, both Biology; Zac Knutson, Budget Office; Dawn Hays, Campus Child Center; Mark Sandheinrich, College of Science & Health; Ashley Jochimsen, Counseling & Testing; Ryan Friesen, English; Samuel Schmidt, Exercise & Sport Science; Meredith Thomsen, Extended Learning; Ka Lia Smith, Financial Aid; John Kelly, Geography & Earth Science; James Longhurst, History; Natalie Solverson, Institutional Research, Assessment & Planning; Christine Manno, Management; Suzanne Anglehart, Microbiology; Anthony Chergosky, Regina Goodnow and Sean Hurtubise, all Political Science & Public Administration; Sandra Grunwald and Betsy Morgan, both Provost's Office; Nathan Barnhart and Jeff Keenan, both Rec Sports; Vitaliano Figueroa, Student Affairs; Kara Ostlund, Student Life; and Kyle Burke, University Centers; served Verification Tent Staffing during Move In Week. THANK YOU to the many staff and faculty who greeted students and their families at the Verification Tent during Residence Life Move In Week. These welcoming faces helped ensure those who are vaccinated are recorded as such and those who are not vaccinated had completed a negative COVID test prior to move in. We could not have completed this large task without their assistance. They have helped keep our community healthy and contributed to the campus-wide endeavor of welcoming students back to campus.

Submitted on: Sept. 13, 2021

Karolyn Bald, International Education & Engagement; and Bianca Basten and Betsy Morgan, both Psychology; co-authored the article "LinkedIn®: Advice for Students and Faculty " in Eye on Psi Chi published on Thursday, Feb. 4 by Psi Chi.

Submitted on: Feb. 4, 2021

Betsy Morgan, Academic Affairs, Provost's Office, co-authored the article "Doing Assessment Well: Advances for Undergraduate Psychology Programs and Psychology Educators" in Teaching of Psychology published on Sept. 11 by Sage. Coauthors include: Dunn, D., Coffman, K., Boysen, G. A., Bhalla, M., Diaz-Granados, J., McGregor, L. N., Smith, P.

Submitted on: Sept. 14, 2020

Submitted on: Feb. 3, 2020

Submitted on: May 28, 2019

Submitted on: Aug. 6, 2018

Submitted on: Mar. 19, 2018