Russell Ganim

Russell Ganim

Russ Ganim is associate provost and dean of International Programs at the University of Iowa. He has held this position since January 2020, having previously served as the director of the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at Iowa.

Dean Ganim is committed to rebuilding international education in the wake of the pandemic. To that end, he has expanded Iowa’s international partnerships, encouraged development of both virtual and traditional study abroad programs, and renewed efforts to recruit international students.

To strengthen internationalization efforts on campus, Dean Ganim has hosted or helped organize multiple lectures, symposia, and other media events that promote global awareness. Many of these initiatives have been designed to foster connections between international education and efforts to promote a welcoming and respectful environment for all communities.

Dean Ganim is a professor of French by training but has served as an administrator for the past 20 years, dedicating much of his career to global engagement. Read more about Dean Ganim on the University of Iowa's Faculty and Staff Experts page.

Contact Information

Russell Ganim
1111-A UCC
Phone: 319-335-0373
E-mail: russell-ganim@uiowa.edu

Messages from the Dean

Russ Ganim, David Hamod, and Iraqi delegation holding signed documents

Dean’s Message: Visit from Iraqi Delegation and Mexico Connections

Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Dean Ganim highlights new collaborations with partners in Iraq and Mexico that support research, education, writing, and global exchange.
Russ Ganim with visitors from Ming Chi University of Technology in front of sign "Connecting Iowa with the World and the World with Iowa"

Dean’s Message: Celebrating graduates and Fulbrighters

Tuesday, June 2, 2026
In this message, Dean Ganim celebrates the accomplishments of international students and Fulbright recipients and shares updates on strengthening global partnerships across campus.
Russell Ganim and Sandy Barkan

Dean's Message: Provost's Global Forum and Partner Visits

Friday, May 1, 2026
Dean Ganim celebrates the success of the Provost’s Global Forum and a series of international visits that strengthened Iowa’s global connections.
BTAA Summit participants

Dean's Message: Delegations from Japan and BTAA Summit

Wednesday, April 1, 2026
In this message, Dean Ganim provides updates on expanding global partnerships—particularly with institutions in Japan—and applauds the work of ISSS and Big Ten colleagues in supporting international students and scholars through the BTAA Summit.
Karen Wachsmuth and Russ Ganim at Fulbright Top Producer reception

Dean’s Message: Fulbright Success and Lunar New Year Celebrations

Monday, March 2, 2026
Dean Ganim celebrates UI's 10th year as a Fulbright Top Producer, reflects on the community and cultural significance of Lunar New Year and Ramadan, and highlights the strength of UI’s global partnerships, including a milestone anniversary for the University of Prishtina.