The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has named Professor Mary Arends-Kuenning as the associate dean for international programs. This decision follows a period of careful evaluation of her leadership and contributions while serving as acting and interim associate dean since October 2021.

A professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, Arends-Kuenning brings a wealth of experience in international development and economic demography to the role. She has dedicated her career to understanding the critical decisions that households make regarding fertility, schooling, and work, and the implications of those decisions on present and future well-being. Her research spans key global issues such as children’s schooling, child labor, family planning, and changing gender roles. 

“We are delighted to have Dr. Arends-Kuenning take on this role permanently,” said Germán Bollero, Dean of the College of ACES. “Her commitment to fostering global partnerships and her deep understanding of international issues aligns perfectly with our mission to expand the college’s impact on a global scale. I am confident her leadership will continue to elevate our international programs and create new opportunities for our students, faculty, and partners.”

Arends-Kuenning’s experience in international programs is extensive. She served as interim director of the Lemann Institute for Brazilian Studies from 2011 to 2014, and again in 2019, where she successfully built collaborations between Illinois faculty and Brazilian universities through grant programs, lecture series, and conferences. In recognition of her global contributions, she received the College of ACES Faculty Award for Global Impact in 2018. Her international experience also includes a Fulbright Research Fellowship in the Philippines, where she studied international nurse migration, and consulting work for organizations such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.

In this role, Arends-Kuenning will continue to enhance the college’s global reach, strengthening international collaborations, and expanding opportunities for students and faculty to engage with pressing global challenges. She will lead the college’s efforts to build meaningful partnerships and support impactful research that addresses issues of food security, economic development, and sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Arends-Kuenning holds a doctorate and master’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in social science from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University. 

Contributions to the Office of International Programs can be made online by entering "ACES Global Connection Fund (#335237)" in the gift designation box. To explore other giving opportunities, contact the College of ACES Office of Advancement at 217-333-9355 or acesadvancement@illinois.edu.