By Kathryna Hoyman · Managing Editor
This year, the college welcomes Derek Bradley as the new director of the Office of Global Programs (OGP).
Bradley graduated from Grove City College in 2003 as a business/communications major with a minor in theatre. As a student at the college, Bradley was impacted by his time spent abroad.
“I did two summer programs teaching English in China. It was incredible. So much so that I returned to China after graduation to teach with the same organization, ELIC. They paid for my master’s degree in intercultural studies through Wheaton, which is where I really learned how to make sense of the differences between cultures,” Bradley said.
According to Global Studies Coordinator Rachel Anderson, Bradley has already hit the ground running, bringing in a host of ideas to expand the reach of the OGP. Among the plans he is working on is a proposal to teach a one-credit cross-cultural training course designed for students preparing to study abroad.
Bradley is filling a role that was most recently held by much-beloved late Jennifer Gilliland. Anderson expressed that “Mrs. G’s” warmth is still very a much part of the Office of Global Programs. “She would be so proud of the students who walked into our office as freshmen a couple years ago and are now studying abroad,” Anderson shared.
Bradley has already been blessed by the culture of the OGP, one characterized by a love for Christ and for the students the office is serving.
“It is a dream come true to be able to integrate my faith into the workplace in a way I’ve never been able to before. We start our weekly team meetings with devotions and prayer. I’ve also got two rock-star teammates and an incredible boss. I’m so happy to be a part of this great community,” he said.
Bradley is also enthusiastic about the opportunities the college provides through OGP, sharing that studying abroad can be much more than just a fun and educational adventure.
“I believe an immersive experience abroad can be transformative, and I believe Grove City College students have the unique potential to have a significant impact on the world around them. I believe every Grove City College student should take advantage of the opportunity. It may be one of the hardest things they’ve ever done, but it will be the most rewarding,” Bradley said.
“I believe God is going to do some amazing things in the lives of our students and I’m excited to be a part of His work,” he added.
Students interested in learning more about the vast study abroad opportunities at the college are invited to attend OGP’s study abroad interest meetings, which are held from 4 to 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month in SHAL 115. A study abroad fair will also take place from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15 in the SHAL Atrium, and students are always encouraged to stop by the Office of Global Programs in SHAL 319.
