Norm Peterson, Ph.D.

Title: Vice Provost for International Education, Office of International Programs

Duties: My job in relation to LEAP is to direct and supervise all MSU-LEAP activity, coordinate the MSU role with A.C.E.’s activities, serve as the lead faculty for the Colloquium, and act as the principal liaison between MSU and LEAP officials in Japan.

Comment: MSU is honored to be given the responsibility to administer the LEAP program. We strive to make sure that we deserve that trust by providing the best possible program and experiences to LEAP participants.

Dave Engberg

Title: Director of Training and Special Programs, Office of International Programs

Duties: I started work in the International Programs Office in 2004. Prior to coming to Montana State University, I lived and worked in Washington, DC, at the American Council on Education, a higher education professional association that promotes the interests of colleges and universities nationwide. My academic training has focused on a number of topics, to include geography, German, anthropology, and, most recently, higher education administration. In addition to having lived in various part of the United States, I have also lived in Germany, as a university exchange student, and Japan, as an ESL teacher.

Comment: I have broad responsibilities related to the LEAP program, to include its general oversight, organization, budget management, and practicum site development. For me, the best part of being associated with the LEAP program is interacting with the LEAP participants.

Janelle Rasmussen

Title: Special Programs Coordinator, Office of International Programs

Duties: I have been working at the Office of International Programs at MSU for the past 3 1/2 years, and have been lucky to work with the past 4 groups of Leapers (since 2002). I have many fond memories of the Leapers and am always sad to see the group leave, but get happy again when I think of meeting the new incoming group.

Comment: I help coordinate the LEAP program logistics in Montana, such as housing, homestays, etc. I have taken the groups to Yellowstone National Park and we always have a great time. I have also had the opportunity to visit Washington, DC a couple of times with the group. The first time I went, I learned just as much about higher education as the LEAP group did.

Cheri Ladd LeCain

Title: Interim Academic Director, A.C.E. Language Institute

Duties: I oversee the intensive English language part of the LEAP program and the Professional Language Development and Colloquium Preparation/Review courses. I also coordinated the individualized instruction, which was new in the LEAP program this year.

Comment: I think LEAP is such a very valuable and worthwhile program. Not only do the "LEAPers" and their corresponding institutions benefit from this program, but the A.C.E. Language Institute, MSU campus, and Bozeman community benefit as well. Every year I look forward to working with this very special, talented group of professionals.