Staff Spotlight: Alexis Jones, Director of Program Development Initiatives at CEA CAPA

Alexis Jones supports CEA CAPA’s institutional partners’ internationalization efforts through identifying program and course needs. As the Director of Program Development Initiatives, she implements new program opportunities based on academic discipline and geographic location. Alexis earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in teaching English as a second language from the University of Kansas (KU). She found her passion for international education when she participated in a Florence study abroad program. Later, she taught English in Mexico which inspired her to pursue study abroad careers.  

WHAT IS YOUR ACADEMIC AREA OF FOCUS AND/OR INTEREST?  

In my previous role as Associate Director for KU, I led the “Mapping Study Abroad to the Major” initiative at KU. This collaborative project fully integrated study abroad programs into the college experience and academic curriculum for students in all degree programs. This initiative identified major-specific study abroad opportunities, produced advising materials and resources, and developed targeted strategies promoting study abroad engagement. These efforts mirror my academic area of focus today as the Director of Program Development Initiatives. That is why I am interested in asking questions like “Why aren’t specific courses enrolling well?” and “What courses do institutional partners need?” 

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?  

I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and my master’s degree in teaching English as a second language from KU. Unlike most study and internship abroad students, I studied abroad toward the end of my college career. At that point I already planned on teaching English to high school students in Monterrey, Mexico after graduation. That said, I was interested in international education jobs early on but didn’t know my career path would go this route. After teaching abroad for a few years, I came back to the U.S. and began working in higher education at my alma mater. I started my career with a lot of student-facing and academic advising roles in student services. It was one of those things where I said, “I’ll give this a try and see how it goes,” and was there for nearly 15 years! I served as the Assistant Dean for Recruitment and Retention for the KU School of Engineering and Associate Director for the KU Office of Study Abroad. In my very last role in the study abroad office, I worked closely on curriculum and faculty initiatives, which is how I learned about CEA CAPA. 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR CEA CAPA? WHAT ROLES HAVE YOU HELD? 

I have worked at CEA CAPA since September ‘17 and transitioned to the Program Development Team in July ‘21. I started on the Institutional Relations Team as the Regional Director (RD) for central states where I collaborated with key stakeholders like study abroad advisors, administrators, and faculty on campuses to develop custom and faculty-led programs. 

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR TEAM AT A HIGH-LEVEL OVERVIEW? 

I think the most unique thing about the PDEV Team, and what also led me to CEA CAPA, is this idea that as we’re creating new programs and courses, we’re not doing it in a vacuum. We're intentional and often offer step-by-step assistance with institutional partners or a group of partners. If they ask us if we can develop their new idea or say that they really need this specific course but it’s not the right term or not taught in English, there is lots of problem solving when it comes to taking ideas and seeing how they fit with other partners. It’s important we get creative with problem solving skills that are sustainable and create access for all majors to ensure it works for other partners, schools, and students. I think it’s unique that we can make so much happen together! 

WHAT DO YOU THINK MOST OF YOUR COLLEAGUES ARE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? 

What comes to mind first when asked this is that I am a true introvert. With my RD background, people are surprised when I say this because of my outgoing personality since I enjoy talking to people all week. Another surprising story is related to my love for Florence. This is the city I feel connected to the most because it’s where I started and where I am now. In fact, I went to the CEA CAPA Florence Center in 2018 during our Fam Trip to Florence and Rome and thought the buildings and scene looked so familiar. I looked across the street and what do you know? The language school I studied abroad at years ago was right there.  

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE FIELD OF STUDY ABROAD?

I think our future is undoubtedly positive despite challenges we face in the field of study abroad. While 2020 changed everything, the thing we’ve seen coming out of this is that a lot of what students and partners are looking for is completely different from four years ago. Partners and other providers come to our organization because we proved that we can face those challenges. Coming together as CEA CAPA is exciting because we’re sharing resources and ideas. I work with institutions and partners that are more responsive to our renewed dialogue with schools that ask, “What is new and what can we create?” Computer science and data and business analytics are trending topics, so we’re open to exploring course development in those areas as we look for the next place where CEA CAPA should go. 

Interested in partnering with CEA CAPA on a new destination or program? Reach out to your CEA CAPA Institutional Regional Director today.