Gretchen Neisler serves as the senior international officer at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, previously serving as Director for Global Connections in Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources at
Michigan State University.

Neisler arrived at UT in 2018 as Vice Provost of International Affairs and Director of the Division of Global Engagement, where she has put a focus on expanding the university’s global impact through intentional
partnerships, an understanding of global citizenship, and a dedication to upholding the values of a land-grant university.

A significant focus of CGE under Neisler is building international partnerships in a way that best serves all parties. Rather than exponential growth, partnerships are entered intentionally to show tangible benefits. Establishment of the Global Research, Innovation, and Partnership office within CGE in 2024 further solidifies this commitment.

Neisler sits on the Commission on International Initiatives Executive Committee for the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities and will serve as commission chair for FY 2024-26.

I do not think leadership is about position but instead about a responsibility to ensure others get what they need to be successful and to enable and empower them to put those resources to work.

Gretchen Neisler
Vice Provost for Global Engagement