Global Engagement Team

Hi, I’m Maria del Mar (you can call me MdM), and I’m the Director of Global Engagement at The College of Wooster! I love working with students and helping them find study abroad experiences that align with their academic and career goals.  I also work with faculty in developing TREK program opportunities.

My own study abroad journey in Cairo, Egypt—where I studied Arabic—was one of the most transformational experiences of my life. It deepened my understanding of culture, identity, and resilience, and that experience continues to inspire my commitment to making global opportunities accessible for all students.

I have also lived overseas in Abu Dhabi and Spain, both being transformative experiences for me. I am fluent in Spanish and advanced in Arabic, French, and Italian, I believe in the power of language and cultural exchange.

With over ten years in international education, I’ve worked in both study abroad and international student services, helping students step outside their comfort zones and grow through international experiences.  I am currently completing my PhD at Syracuse University in Cultural Foundations of Education.

Outside of work, I enjoy time with my cats, being an amateur photographer, baking, and walks at local parks!

As the Pathways Program Coordinator, I get the privilege of meeting with students who are interested in exploring different ideas they have for their career. I’m an idea person, so I love hearing what students are interested in and helping them come up with possible ways to explore those interests. I also work to manage Pathways records with the Registrar’s Office and connect students with the faculty & staff on the Pathways teams.

In my role as the Peace Corps Prep Coordinator, I help students navigate the requirements of the program and discover ways to become involved with the Peace Corps if desired. Because the Global Impacts Pathway is closely aligned with Peace Corps Prep, I can offer a deeper level of assistance to that Pathway.

I love the way APEX offers students the chance to take what they’re learning in their classes and apply it to hands-on, practical experiences that prepare them for the professional world. I’m so grateful for the chance to be part of this work.

I come to the College of Wooster after 20 years in secondary education, focusing primarily on project-based learning and other experiential pedagogy, as well as students’ personal and professional communication skills. Taking my passion for experiential education and project-based learning into higher education through my work in APEX has been an exciting new direction in my career journey.

My BA is in Secondary Education (English and Psychology) from Cornerstone University. I have an MA in Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University and a Graduate Certificate in Outdoor Ministry and Leadership from Wheaton College.

After growing up in western Michigan and living in most of the Great Lakes states, as well as studying in Israel and teaching in Taiwan, I now live with my husband and three children here in Wooster.  I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, ice skating, and hiking, as well as travel, reading, laughing, and having intriguing conversations.

Strengths: Connectedness, Belief, Learner, Restorative, Ideation

Chris Lee (he/him) is a senior double major in GIS Economics and Computer Science. Hailing from San Francisco, his passion for volleyball and staring at excel sheets has led him far and wide. He studied European Security and the History of Central/Eastern Europe at NYU Prague in Fall 2022. Ask him about studying under the Czech Minister of Energy Security, leading an agile development team in a different time zone, or getting stranded in Turkey!

Case Baumwart (he/him) is a senior Urban Sustainability major with a minor in Spanish from Rochester, NY. He studied abroad in Valparaíso, Chile, as well as serving as assistant director for the Documentary Filmmaking Trek in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Case is also a Teacher’s Assistant for the College’s Art Department. Ask him about getting stuck on an island in Patagonia or building sustainable park dwellings for Chilean Architects!