Excellence in Human Relations (Unclassified)

Joy Wanderi

Throughout her time with the University Center for International Education (UCIE), Joy Wanderi has helped many students achieve their dreams through her advocacy for diversity, inclusion and student-centered support. Because of her efforts, she received the 2019 President’s Award for Excellence in Human Relations.

During her time at UCIE, Wanderi has worked with international admissions, international student and scholar services, and education abroad. She has also been instrumental in leading efforts to provide students with the opportunities to study abroad.

Over the last five years, she has helped increase the number of underrepresented students studying abroad through the Gilman scholarship program. She has also personally mentored minority students and students with disabilities to go abroad and worked with key campus departments to make those students’ dreams a reality.

Wanderi is well known across the Dayton and Wright State community. She has served on the Dayton Council on World Affairs Board, the Dayton Art Institute Associate Board, the Welcome Dayton Education Sub-Committee and the University Study Abroad Board of Directors. She is also the advisor for the African Student Union at Wright State.

Colleagues describe Wanderi as someone who is “creative and thoughtful in her resolutions of problems and challenges, and whose selfless work truly deserves recognition by the university for her commitment to our students and community.”