LSU Presents a Talk by Margee Ensign on the Human Impact of International Education

March 28, 2022

Margee Ensign

President of the American University of Nigeria Margee Ensign

– American University of Nigeria 

BATON ROUGE – President of the American University of Nigeria Margee Ensign orchestrated and led a successful rescue mission of 22 young women from Boko Haram in 2014. On Thursday, April 14, LSU International Programs will host Ensign as she speaks to the campus community on the importance of international education and the role that service plays in the field. The talk, “International Education: In the Service of Humanity,” will be held virtually on Zoom at 9:00 a.m. Central time.

“It is a privilege to have an internationally recognized humanitarian such as Dr. Ensign visit LSU to discuss the critical impact of international education on the lives of students. This is the kind of high impact experience that helps ensure our students are prepared to be global citizens for the 21st century,” said LSU Interim Provost Matthew Lee.  

Ensign, currently in her second appointment as president of the American University of Nigeria, or AUN, was instrumental in establishing the infrastructure of the university as well as creating the Adamawa Peace Initiative that countered the presence of Boko Haram in the country. During her first term as president, Ensign not only organized a successful rescue mission for 22 young women who had been kidnapped by Boko Haram, she also used her resources as university president to create a safe space for young women and men at AUN through her commitment to service and connecting with the people. She is also the former president of Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. 

Ensign began her travels at an early age. She has long been a global citizen and recognized that change happens by connecting and doing. Some of her first initiatives as president of AUN involved expanding the university’s resources, such as erecting a library and building community through targeted outreach and immersing the campus community into the local community with tutoring and food distribution programs.

“Ultimately, our job in higher education is to ignite a spark within a student that sets off his or her passion. One of the most effective ways we can do that is through civic engagement. Regardless of the subject matter a student pursues, it’s up to us to help our students become graduates who will become servant leaders for their communities,” Ensign said. 

The value and success of colleges and universities is linked to active and meaningful community engagement. Ensign’s positive record of accomplishment as a servant leader is a testament to this.  

As a component of LSU’s participation in the American Council on Education, or ACE, Internationalization Lab, LSU’s International Programs is excited to do more community building that extends beyond the campus borders.  

“Having Dr. Ensign, a heralded name in the field of international education, as our guest is truly an honor. Her work with the AUN and unique approach of incorporating service into her pedagogy mirror our mission of creating global citizens who can use their education to impact their local community and the world,” said Samba Dieng, LSU’s Senior International Officer. 

This event is open to all. Pre-register to attend this event at: https://bit.ly/EnsignatLSU  

About International Programs 

The International Programs (IP) office at LSU is tasked with leading and supporting LSU’s global presence and increasing LSU’s international profile in teaching, research, and learning, that align with today’s global challenges. Complementing Louisiana's rich international history, IP is the port of global connectivity for LSU faculty, staff, and students. In addition to guiding the internationalization process for the university, four IP units (Office of Global Partnerships, International Services, Academic Programs Abroad, and the International Cultural Center) facilitate global learning experiences on campus and abroad. For more information, visit https://www.lsu.edu/intlpro. 

About the American Council of Education’s Internationalization Lab 

The ACE Internationalization Laboratory is designed to provide customized guidance and insight to help colleges and universities complete their internationalization goals. For more information on LSU and the ACE Lab, please visit here: https://www.lsu.edu/academicaffairs/internationalization-lab/.  

Additional Link:  

Escape from Boko Haram, Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/escape-from-boko-haram-180956333/