Michael Todd, an academic advisor in the Center for Student Excellence, has won the International Educator of the Year award from the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.
Todd is being honored for developing an innovative new short-term study-abroad program for University of Florida engineering students called UF in England — Disasters & Triumphs in British Engineering. The program brought five students to Europe during Spring Break 2025.
“From the earliest stages of brainstorming to full program implementation, Michael has been a true collaborator and leader,” noted Pingchien Neo, director of International Engineering Programs, in her nomination letter. “He approaches every idea with a clear sense of purpose to ensure that his program is not only logistically sound but also academically rigorous and culturally enriching.”
Todd said the award is the culmination of many firsts.
“Not only was this the first year for this program, but it was the first program I had developed,” he said. “From designing the curriculum to coordinating with our partners in another country, all of it was unknown territory for me and something I had to learn how to do along the way.”
It also was his first time visiting Europe.
“Learning how to navigate a new place while also managing the students’ experiences and overcoming logistical challenges was something I had never had to do before,” he said, noting he had substantial support from Neo. “The world is a wonderfully diverse place, and all students should have the opportunity to learn about it. International education provides an immersive way that really broadens an individual’s understanding of other cultures and people.”
Neo said Todd carefully designed the program to integrate cultural immersion with relevant — and global — professional development.
“The students who went on the program,” she said, “overwhelmingly said that Michael was the key aspect to the success of the program.”
Emily Gunger, a Ph.D. candidate in nuclear engineering, also wrote a letter of support for Todd, noting: “His leadership transformed the way students engage with the world, offering not just an academic experience, but a truly life-changing journey.”