Jon Rezek has been appointed the associate provost for global partnerships and international education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Following a national search, Rezek comes to UNCW from East Carolina University where he serves as associate provost for global affairs. His appointment with UNCW will begin Sept. 15. 

“I am thrilled to be joining UNCW's Global Partnerships and International Education team to continue the highly impactful work of building global citizens and expanding the Seahawk footprint around the world,” said Rezek. “I look forward to working with the team to further cultivate the nimble, innovative spirit, and relationship centered culture that has been foundational to UNCW's success.” 

Rezek will report to the provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and serve as a member of the Provost’s Cabinet. 

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Rezek to our Seahawk community,” said Provost Robert T. Burrus. “He brings an impressive record of leadership in international education, global partnership development, and strategic institutional and community engagement. His innovative vision and collaborative approach will help advance UNCW’s global reach while keeping our commitment to preparing students for success.” 

As associate provost for global partnerships and international education, Rezek will lead the strategic direction, administration and oversight of incoming and outgoing international students and scholars, while coordinating educational opportunities and partnerships across the globe. He will be responsible for advancing the institution’s global engagement by cultivating international partnerships, supporting the recruitment and success of international students and scholars, and promoting global learning opportunities. Through collaborations with campus partners, the associate provost will explore development of innovative programs while also strengthening policies and practices, and oversee three reporting units: Education Abroad, the Office of International Students and Scholars, and the English Language Center.   

Rezek brings 15 years of international education leadership experience. At ECU, he led institution-wide internationalization efforts that contributed to the university earning the 2023 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization from NAFSA: Association of International Educators. He also designed an international student recruiting strategic framework, initiated the Global Fellows program, developed emergency response plans and policies, enhanced campus engagement with global programing, initiated numerous memorandums of understanding, and more.  Prior, he served at Mississippi State University as the associate vice president for international programs and executive director for the international institute, and director of the international business academic program.  

Throughout his career, Rezek has developed global partnerships, expanded international student recruitment and support initiatives, advanced education abroad opportunities, secured external funding for international programs, and championed innovative approaches to global learning and student success. 

Rezek holds a doctoral degree in international economics and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Additionally, he has held faculty positions and taught courses on economics and international economics topics at the undergraduate and graduate level. 

Photo courtesy of ECU