Study Abroad Adds International Security Position

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Julie Friend has joined Northwestern’s Study Abroad Office in the newly created position of associate director for international safety and security.

In this position, Friend will chair Northwestern’s Risk Assessment Committee, collaborate with colleagues across campus and monitor international developments. In addition, she will help develop and implement a more flexible study abroad travel policy and serve as the University’s first-responder to all crises abroad on a 24-7 basis.

 “Julie’s scholarship, leadership and public advocacy have played a significant role in the recent development of new standards and best practices for study abroad risk management,” said William Anthony, who directs Northwestern’s Study Abroad Office.

Friend comes to the University from Michigan State University, where she was internationally known for her work developing that institution’s risk management approach to study abroad administration with a focus on risk education, emergency planning and crisis response.

Friend, who holds a law degree from Michigan State University and is a licensed attorney in Michigan, is one of three representatives from higher education appointed to the executive board of the Department of State Security Advisory Council. 

An avid traveler who has lived in France and Zambia, Friend chairs the sub-committee on Health and Safety for NAFSA: Association of International Educators and writes for the organization’s magazine, International Educator, on insurance and risk management issues.