Cat Fuller makes the move to the Copper Country to spearhead Global Initiatives at Finlandia

Finlandia University is excited to welcome Cathleen (Cat) Fuller to the newly established role of Director of Global Initiatives. The new role is an expansion upon Finlandia’s
growing international presence.

“Cat embodies the expertise and leadership needed to successfully foster Finlandia’s emerging international strategic plan,” said Erin Barnett, Dean of Students & Enrollment. “Her global connections and relationships with colleagues in international higher education are invaluable.  With travel planned this fall to the Netherlands, China and Finland, her passport will be well worn.”

Fuller brings to Finlandia a vast background in international higher education.

“I’ve dabbled in and out of other fields, but when I was 25 I had this moment where I wanted to find what made me most happy, and that was working in the study abroad office,” said Fuller. “I went back for my masters in Educational Leadership and was hired to work in my own school’s international office.”

Finlandia is rooted in a strong Finnish heritage and only seeks to nurture the international spirit within students.

“I’ve always been drawn to higher ed, the importance of travel and for people to explore,” said Fuller. “Travel pushes people off the edge of their comfort zone. Everyone needs to experience it. It fundamentally changes you, nine out of 10 times in a good way.”

Fuller hits the ground running this week by kicking off her fall travel schedule with a trip to Amsterdam.

“I’m looking for possibilities to get different types of international students at Finlandia,” said Fuller. “I want to get our name out there, show what we are doing here and hear how we can do it better.”

Fuller will also travel to China and Finland this year to nurture a few established relationships. Cat Fuller can be reached via email at cat.fuller@finlandia.edu.