Dear UNT Faculty and Staff,

After a national search with excellent candidates, Lauren Jacobsen-Bridges has been selected as UNT’s vice provost for international affairs, effective July 21, 2025.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Amy Shenberger, who has served as interim vice provost since August 2024. Ms. Shenberger brought a wealth of expertise and institutional knowledge to the role while also serving as director of UNT’s study abroad program, ensuring continuity and a smooth transition during this period of change.

Ms. Jacobsen-Bridges has served as senior director of International Student and Scholar Services at UNT since 2023, after more than five years as director, leading the department’s charge to provide immigration services for international students, visiting scholars, and faculty and staff throughout the UNT System.

With more than 15 years of experience in international higher education, Ms. Jacobsen-Bridges has dedicated her career to enriching campus communities through educational and cultural exchange. Since 2014, she has served in numerous regional and national leadership positions in NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the leading professional organization in her field. I look forward to partnering with her as we further UNT’s global initiatives, support faculty in expanding the impact of their teaching and research, and strengthen our commitment to helping students from all over the world transform their lives through education and opportunity.

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Jacobsen-Bridges to her new role.

Sincerely,

Michael A. McPherson, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs