Dr. Joseph Tullbane Receives Award

Dr. Joseph Tullbane, associate dean and director of the Center for International Education, was announced as the fourth ever recipient of the Timothy J. Rutenber Award for service in the field of international education by the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA).Tullbane was presented the award by former recipient Duleep Deosthale, assistant dean of international programs of Marist College, on February 25 at a conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

This periodic award is given to international administrators "for service to the international education field, to the association [AIEA], and to members around the world," said Tullbane.

According to the association's website, the award is also given as a recognition of "truly exceptional service of long duration to AIEA."

Tullbane felt a bit uncomfortable about receiving such a prestigious award and said that he was "embarrassed by it a little."

"I don't think you should get awards for doing your job," he added.

However, he acknowledges, "This is not an award just for me, it's an award for the school. It helps St. Norbert gain notoriety in the field [of international education]."

According to Tullbane, such notoriety "means international education becomes a pillar of the president's vision [for national recognition of St. Norbert College]."

Tullbane has worked to give St. Norbert College "national exposure" in the world of international education since he first began working here in August of 1999.

"I present a lot on small college international education: how small colleges successfully do international education," said Tullbane.

His work includes chairing a number of international education panels as well as producing audio-seminars about small college international education.

However, Tullbane's work is not limited to the improvement of St. Norbert College's international education program. He is always willing to take time to help other colleges through problems that they may have.

"We help people a lot," said Tullbane, adding, "It's the essence of the business, it's what makes international education dynamic. In international education in particular, we are, as a group, open to helping each other out as much as possible."

According to Tullbane, when schools are "willing to help other schools make progress in the field" everyone wins: the school gains notoriety, the field rises in knowledge, and the students benefit in their experience.

Tullbane also serves on the boards of directors of two international secondary schools and has founded a national professional association of regional specialists.