Designation Reflects Dr. Dieng’s Commitment to Expanding International Education Opportunities for Students, Faculty, and Professionals
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 5, 2026 — The Institute of International Education (IIE) is pleased to award the 2025 Senior International Officer (SIO) of the Year Award to Samba Dieng, Ed.D., Associate Vice Provost for Global Engagement at Louisiana State University (LSU).
Selected by a distinguished panel of peers, honorees are recognized for championing international education and instituting highly effective programming, administrative structures, professional mentoring initiatives, and other strategies. IIE created the annual award in its centennial to recognize SIOs who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in this arena.
Inspired by his own international student journey to the U.S., Dr. Dieng has committed his 18-year career to global education. He began his international education career by supporting international students and scholars at several institutions and regularly sharing insights at conferences and meetings across the sector. His extensive experience in international education led him to become Louisiana State University’s very first Senior International Officer (SIO).
This award carries a very special meaning for me personally. Having once arrived in the United States as an international student myself, I know first-hand the transformative power of international education. To now be recognized for leading these same efforts is a full circle moment I could never have imagined.”
Dr. Samba Dieng, 2025 IIE SIO of the Year
Dr. Dieng has led transformative international efforts at LSU, collaborating across campus to expand programs, partnerships, and global opportunities. He provides strategic vision to seven units within the Office of Global Engagement and, in partnership with the American Council on Education (ACE), guided an 18‑month institution-wide strategic planning process that resulted in department restructuring, new leadership roles, rebranding, and the digitalization of advising systems. A collaborative and approachable leader, Dr. Dieng credits his accomplishments to the dedication of his colleagues in the Office of Global Engagement and draws inspiration from their shared commitment to building a more connected world.
In addition, he has helped to establish initiatives such as the Pre-Scholars Academy (PSA) Global Learning Program in West Africa, a customized study abroad opportunity for student-athletes, the Global Ambassadors Program, LSU’s participation in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, international internships in Central America, and experiential learning opportunities for first-generation students. Beyond the campus, he launched a major multi-institutional Africa engagement initiative involving over 30 universities across the U.S. and Africa for partnership building, an effort featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Under his leadership, LSU also received the 2022 IIE Heiskell Award for Innovation in Strategic Partnerships.
“IIE is grateful for Samba’s vision and leadership in the international education field, especially as we share the simple principle that the more international education we have, the more peaceful and vibrant world that we will all have,” said Jason Czyz, IIE’s President and CEO.
“Receiving this recognition from an organization like IIE with more than a century of championing global education is a profound honor,” shared Dr. Dieng in accepting the award. “During my doctoral dissertation on internationalization, one of my findings was that the rise or fall of internationalization largely depends on university leadership. So, I extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to LSU’s leadership for their unwavering support of our global mission.”
“This recognition reflects not only Samba’s leadership, but our campus’s shared commitment to advancing internationalization as a core strength,” said Interim Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Provost Troy Blanchard. “We are proud to be operating at the highest level in this space, where the work is ultimately about expanding opportunity and improving student learning. By preparing our students to engage thoughtfully and effectively in an increasingly interconnected world, we are strengthening both their outcomes and the future they will help shape.”
Known for his collaborative and approachable leadership style, Dr. Dieng has garnered influence among his peers, earning a spot on The PIE’s “50 Voices in International Education” in the Americas. Dr. Dieng is actively involved with several associations, including IIE, the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), the American Council on Education (ACE), the Association of Public Land-Grant Universities (APLU), and NAFSA, where he served as a member of the board of directors
IIE applauds Dr. Dieng’s drive and spirit that catalyzes and contributes to robust and meaningful engagements and partnerships in international education. IIE would also like to thank Dr. Dieng’s nominator and the review committee for their time and effort.
About the Institute of International Education (IIE)
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is the leader in designing and implementing international education strategies and program services. We work with governments, policymakers, educators, and employers across the globe to prepare students and professionals for the global workforce and equip them to solve the increasingly complex challenges facing our interconnected world. With support from donors, we also create initiatives that assist students, scholars, and artists whose lives and work are threatened; expand teaching and learning across cultures; and provide life-changing opportunities. A not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,600 higher education partners. Visit iie.org.