Lone Star College System has been awarded the 2014 Andrew Heiskill Award for “internationalizing the community college” by the Institute of International Education.

LSCS was recognized for its Faculty International Exploration (FIE) program, which offers full-time faculty members the opportunity to conduct research and collect materials abroad with the goal of internationalizing their curriculum and developing study abroad programs.  

“The FIE award promotes curriculum internationalization, study abroad program development, and increased student involvement,” said Nithy Sevanthinathan, LSCS chief international officer, international programs and strategic global partnerships.

“Resulting programs have broadened the career horizons of students, enriched the annual Lone Star College System International Education Conference, and fostered engagement with the community,” Sevanthinathan said.

The Institute of International Education created the Andrew Heiskell Awards in 2001 to recognize and honor the most outstanding initiatives that are being conducted in international higher education by IIE Network member universities and colleges. By recognizing excellence and innovation, the institute hopes to promote and further wide-ranging internationalization efforts on campuses across the world.

LSCS is among an elite group of winners of this year’s awards that included Clemson University, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and the University of Michigan.

“We are living in a global economy and it’s crucial for our faculty and students to understand the role that the Houston area plays in that economy,” said Dr. Richard Carpenter, LSCS chancellor. “This award represents our commitment to being at the forefront among our peers and providing our students the best tools possible to succeed.”

As part of the LSCS FIE awards, study abroad programs have been held in China, Costa Rica, Italy, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom.   

Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in the nation. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online.

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