Bruce Stanley, the incoming executive director of the Bader International Study Centre, has worked in international education for more than 30 years.

Bruce Stanley, the incoming executive director of the Bader International Study Centre (BISC), brings to the position an unfailing commitment to study abroad programs.

“For me education must be radicalizing and transformative. Studying abroad at a place as unique as the BISC can really challenge students and push the envelope,” says Dr. Stanley, who takes over from David Bevan on July 1.

Dr. Stanley has worked in international education for more than 30 years. In recent years, he has seen universities position themselves as global rather than national institutions. However, they must adopt a holistic approach for that evolution to be successful.

“Going global must be a mindset and an attitude that permeates everything from teaching pedagogy to research projects, from libraries to opportunities for students. And the BISC should be a part of Queen’s continued evolution as a global institution of learning,” he says.

Dr. Stanley is focused on realizing the BISC’s full potential as an “international study centre.” He envisions the BISC as a starting point for many different international education experiences, such as field studies in the region and international scholars visiting Herstmonceux Castle to name just a few. As well, Dr. Stanley would like the BISC to welcome master’s and PhD students as scholars in residence and faculty members who are writing books.

Dr. Stanley also wants to enhance the BISC by attracting project funding that could have spin-off value for the university and strengthen the connection between the BISC and the Kingston campus.

Most recently, Dr. Stanley served as the resident director of the Earlham College Program in Jordan, where he re-established a Middle East semester residency program in Amman. He hopes to use his networks in the Middle East to enhance the BISC and the university.

Dr. Stanley will continue his research activities in the field of international relations. He currently has three projects underway, including a book manuscript titled Middle East City Networks in the World-Economy.