MTSU’s Summers elected president of American International Recruitment Council

Robert Summers, top left, vice provost for international affairs at Middle Tennessee State University, has been elected the new president of the nonprofit American International Recruitment Council, or AIRC, the association of international enrollment management. (MTSU photo of Summers; AIRC, MTSU logos)

Robert Summers, vice provost for international affairs at Middle Tennessee State University, has been elected the new president of the nonprofit American International Recruitment Council, or AIRC, the association of international enrollment management.

Dr. Robert Summers, vice provost for international affairs — Dr. Robert Summers

Summers, who began his term in December leading AIRC’s 10-member Board of Directors, will serve three years — first as president-elect, second as president, and third as past president. Summers will strive to uphold the AIRC’s mission to promote ethical, standards-based international recruitment strategies.

Established in values including access, integrity, respect and community, AIRC works to expand its reputation and influence as the leading association that provides expertise to the international enrollment management field. AIRC also works with members to develop and deliver compelling resources, services and programs that are essential to advance the international enrollment management field, adhere to ethical recruitment standards, and foster a sense of belonging to a supportive community of practice.

“Prior to embarking upon my professional career, I lived and studied abroad. It was almost 30 years ago now, and I still remember the fears, apprehensions, and other challenges I faced,” said Summers.

“These memories compel me to do all I can to serve students who may be experiencing similar circumstances. It is for this reason that I am so pleased to be able to serve AIRC as their president and to further focus on behaviors that develop student centeredness; advocacy; transparency and ethicality in the international enrollment management field.”

While vice provost at MTSU, Summers has helped foster growth and development of international programs and services. Most notably, under his leadership, total international enrollment at MTSU increased by 13% for the fall 2023-24 academic year.

Summers noted that MTSU has a rich history of welcoming international students to study on campus and promoting the comprehensive internationalization of the campus. Currently, students from over 50 countries call MTSU home.

For more information about the American International Recruitment Council, visit https://www.airc-education.org.

— Matthew Wells (Matthew.Wells@mtsu.edu)