Seton Hall University welcomed Halyna Protsyk, Ph.D., Deputy Vice Rector for Global Outreach at Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU), for a campus visit as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen academic ties between the two institutions, according to an April 9 announcement.
The visit is significant as it highlights both universities’ commitment to global engagement and expanding opportunities for students. Protsyk’s trip coincided with UCU’s participation in the National Model United Nations Conference in New York, where UCU students received the Outstanding Position Paper Award in the United Nations Environment Assembly committee.
During her time on campus, Protsyk toured several facilities including the Innovation Hub, University Libraries, and other academic centers. She also visited a Walsh Gallery exhibit curated by Nathaniel Knight, Ph.D., whose course recently included UCU students. Discussions throughout her visit focused on advancing international partnerships and student engagement through joint coursework and experiential global initiatives.
A working lunch attended by faculty and administrators emphasized institution-wide collaboration. The event was organized by Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., associate provost for Partnerships and Global Initiatives, along with Andrew Misura from University Relations. A key meeting took place with Courtney Smith, Ph.D., dean of the School of Diplomacy and International Relations. “Learning that we have similar goals in how we prepare our students for successful careers in international affairs was the highlight of our conversation,” said Smith. “I look forward to developing future opportunities for our students to interact with each other through Model United Nations and other active learning strategies.”
International relations student Allison Bennett reflected on meeting Protsyk: “As an international relations student, the opportunity to speak with Halyna Protsyk was especially meaningful,” said Bennett. “I was invited as a member of Seton Hall’s Model United Nations team while she was in New York with the Ukrainian delegation. It was fascinating to hear about her students and to see firsthand how global the Model UN experience truly is.”
Protsyk also met Shao Chen (Johanna) Pan-Carr from International Student Services to discuss broader approaches toward internationalization in higher education. Pan-Carr said: “It is essential for Seton Hall University to engage with fellow internationalization leaders to continue building meaningful partnerships and foster cross-cultural understanding… thereby realizing its global vision.”
Seton Hall’s partnership with UCU began last year after signing a Memorandum of Understanding that has led to collaborative coursework and exchange initiatives. Both institutions plan further cooperation aimed at preparing students for leadership roles globally.
