Dr. Chris Havran, professor of biological sciences in Campbell University’s College of Arts & Sciences, has been named director of global engagement, effective Jan. 1. In the new role, Havran will lead initiatives to expand Campbell’s Study Abroad program, strengthen global partnerships and promote intercultural competency throughout the university and community.

Havran joined Campbell in 2008, developing and teaching courses in plant biology. He got involved in the Study Abroad program taking his biology students to Hawaii, where they explored the interaction between ecology and culture in the Pacific. Havran has maintained an active research program that addresses the taxonomic history of native Hawaiian plants and the history of botanical research in the Pacific.

In his new role, Havran will provide leadership, oversight and guidance for Campbell initiatives that involve international engagement. These include maintaining and strengthening the current slate of Study Abroad programs, recruiting International students and helping facilitate international research collaboration between Campbell faculty and their global colleagues.

“For 15 years, I’ve planned experiential learning activities that have helped Campbell students engage with the diverse climates, ecosystems and cultures of modern Hawaii. I’ve also worked with multiple offices at Campbell to make sure these opportunities are planned to be safe for students and fiscally responsible,” Havran said. “Despite all the planning that goes into these experiences, unexpected challenges and opportunities present themselves on a daily basis. I’m looking forward to helping faculty plan their trips so they can lean into opportunities as they become available to enrich the educational opportunities for the community.”

A native of Baltimore, Havran earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania, a Master’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Ph.D. in environmental and plant biology at Ohio University. As an undergraduate student, he developed an appreciation for Pacific cultures during a semester abroad at the University of Waikato (Te Whare Wānanga of Waikato) in Hamilton, New Zealand. During his dissertation research, Havran continued to pursue his interest in the Pacific by studying the evolutionary history of endemic Hawaiian violets.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Adams said he looks forward to working closely with Havran to advance Campbell’s Strategic Plan objective of growing Study Abroad offerings and student participation.

“The work of the Global Engagement Office plans a critical role in attracting students to Campbell and providing them with transformational learning opportunities in Buies Creek and abroad,” Adams said.