A member of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science has won the prestigious Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Chair’s Award for Meritorious Service for her outstanding service to international education at Memorial University.

Jinghua Nie, manager, international programs, has been with the faculty’s graduate office since 2009, managing recruitment of international students and helping them adjust to their new life at Memorial and their studies.

Each year on average, she engages with about 150 students. For her, the award is not only about doing her job, but also about her commitment to student success for the past seven years.

“I am truly honoured,” said Ms. Nie. “I am grateful that I can help students while doing my job. Seeing students grow personally and professionally is what makes me happy and motivates me to do more.”

‘Simply superior’

Dr. Leonard Lye, associate dean, graduate studies, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, nominated Ms. Nie for the award and is thrilled that she won.

“Jinghua makes it look effortless, but we know how hard she works behind the scenes,” said Dr. Lye. “Her job performance over the years has been simply superior.

“She has provided excellent service to all stakeholders, has demonstrated strong commitments to student experience and support to faculty and staff, has contributed to the quality and innovation in the workplace, and has raised our faculty and Memorial’s profile internationally.”

Two awards annually

The CBIE Chair’s Award for Meritorious Service is awarded to two individuals annually and recognizes outstanding service to international education primarily focused within the individual’s institution or organization.

Some of the other criteria of the award include service to students, faculty and staff that has substantially improved quality of international education experiences; works with imagination, enthusiasm and excellence; creative in their approach to work given available resources; and often goes beyond the call of duty.

‘Significant role’

Sonja Knutson, director of the Internationalization Office, says she, too, was thrilled to learn that Ms. Nie had won this international award that recognizes outstanding international partnerships.

“Jinghua has played a significant role in advancing internationalization at Memorial,” said Ms. Knutson. “She has helped raise the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and Memorial’s international profile through her contributions to international marketing and recruitment and the development of international partnerships.”