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

BTAA Summit participants

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.
international students standing in front of Iowa Old Capitol building

Dean's Message: International Programs 2025 Annual Report

Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Dean Ganim presents our 2025 annual report, welcomes our new international students, and mentions the exciting winter study abroad programs that took place in January.
UI alumni in Taipei

Dean's Message: Happy New Year!

Friday, January 2, 2026
Dean Ganim rings in the new year with some highlights from December including his trip to Asia where he caught up with alumni and a visit to IP by the Ambassador of Indonesia to the U.S. and his wife (both alumni!).
Students sitting at table with plates of Thanksgiving food

Dean's Message: Fall Celebrations

Monday, December 1, 2025
Dean Ganim recaps International Education Month at UI - from inspiring lectures and the celebration of student achievements to cultural events and community engagement.
Dean Ganim with Ana Jimenez and Myle Duong in Vienna

Dean’s Message: European Partnerships

Saturday, November 1, 2025
From hosting emerging scholars in genetics and public health to strengthening connections in Italy, Austria, and Kosovo, Dean Ganim shares highlights from a month rich in international collaboration.
students talking at tables at the Study Abroad Fair

Dean’s Message: Study Abroad Fair and the governor's trade mission to India

Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Dean Ganim reflects on an active September—from a packed Study Abroad Fair to his participation in Governor Reynolds’ trade mission to India—highlighting Iowa’s growing international engagement and opportunities for students, faculty, and the state.
International students sitting in ballroom clapping

Dean’s Message: Welcoming the world to Iowa as a new academic year begins

Monday, September 1, 2025
Dean Ganim kicks off the academic year with a warm welcome to new international students and faculty and highlights a creative wellness initiative led by Dr. Marta Tejedor Bravo.
Group of Mandela Washington Fellows sitting at table smiling at camera

Dean's Message: Mid-summer celebrations and a sad farewell

Friday, August 1, 2025
Dean Ganim celebrates CIMBA graduates, reflects on the visit of this year's Mandela Washington Fellows, and laments the passing of one of IP's most ardent supporters, Beverly Brandau.