UC Selects Mehta To Head International Office

Raj Mehta has been named Vice Provost for International Affairs at the University of Cincinnati.  Mehta, a member of UC’s marketing faculty since 1990, will continue his role and responsibilities as director of UC’s University Honors program. The appointment is effective July 16.

“After much deliberation and discussion regarding the search for a new Vice Provost for International Affairs, I am convinced that the best leader for this role was not in the candidate pool but rather served on the search committee,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Santa J. Ono. “Raj Mehta was tapped to chair this search because of his deep knowledge of the global context, his broad interest in advancing international programming and partnerships and his longstanding commitment to engaging faculty, staff and alumni in strengthening UC’s global identity and impact. As much as these skills and attributes made him an excellent chair, they make him the best leader to move UC International to the next level.”

Mehta earned his Ph.D. from the University of Utah after earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology and a master’s in marketing from Gujarat University. He has directed the University Honors Program since 2006.

“I am a lifelong believer, and a living example, of the benefits of international experience,” Mehta said. “As director of the University Honors Program, I helped set a goal for graduating 75 percent of our students with a study abroad experience.” says Mehta. “A global outlook is an invaluable component of our students’ educations, and an essential priority for a world-class university like UC.”

As Vice Provost, Mehta will play a critical role in the University’s plan to enhance its national standing and strengthen its contributions to the surrounding region and to society at large, Ono said. He will be responsible for overall operation of the UC International office, including oversight of UC’s international programs, services and planning. In doing so, he will work with faculty to develop curricula with strong international components, assist with recruitment of international students, and enhance institutional support for incoming students in areas such as new student orientation, language training, and assimilation programming.

“My role is to champion the importance of UC’s engagement with global cultures and to integrate UC’s diverse activities as part of an overall strategy for the University’s international presence,” Mehta said.