Barcelona SAE is pleased to announce that the Education Abroad Knowledge Community of NAFSA: Association of International Educators has awarded Miko McFarland with the Lily von Klemperer Award.
Miko began her role as Director of University Relations at Barcelona SAE in December 2022. Prior to Barcelona SAE, Miko served as the Director of Education Abroad and Exchanges at the University of Kentucky for over eight years.
"Miko's dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics is evident in her approach to her work…Miko's investment in the professional growth of others is evident in her regular presentations at national conferences. Her sessions include engaging and useful content, demonstrating her dedication to advancing the education abroad field and sharing valuable insights with her colleagues on a broader scale." – Elizabeth Strong, Director of Education Abroad, Missouri State University
The Lily von Klemperer Award was established in 1988. The first year, it was awarded to its namesake in honor of the inspiration, guidance, and training that she provided within education abroad. Since then, the award is presented by the Education Abroad Knowledge Community (EAKC) in Lily's name at NAFSA annual conferences to worthy education abroad professionals who are seen still to have years to devote to the profession. The "LvK" Award seeks to recognize people who, like Lily, have "brought other [education abroad professionals] along" in the field and who maintain the highest standards of professional ethics while sharing their skills, knowledge, and expertise with all colleagues.
"As a mentor and leader, Miko is vulnerable, empathetic, and approachable; she doesn’t compromise her values or forget the humble roots from which she came. She’s someone who truly sees me and my colleagues, and she allows us the space and opportunity to shine as international educators in our own unique and dazzling ways. Miko is truly a diamond in a rhinestone world." – Kyle Keith, Director of TODOS and Assistant Director of University Relations, Barcelona SAE
Miko with Kyle Keith, Assistant Director of University Relations, at the Biltmore Estate in November 2023 after visiting partners in North Carolina together
Miko with Dr. Fanta Aw, PhD, CEO and Executive Director of NAFSA, at the 2023 NAFSA Annual Conference in Washington D.C.
Miko catching up with Morgan Marler, Administrative Assistant in the Office of Education Abroad at Missouri State University
"It is such an honor to work with Miko, and learn from her every day. She is one of the most selfless people I have known in my 25 years working in International Education. Her unyielding commitment to our students, their families and our partners matches her unwavering support for colleagues at Barcelona SAE and the field at large. Anyone who’s lucky enough to have attended a presentation by Miko knows that she uniquely combines theory and practical takeaways, with a quick wit and humor that is a joy to take in. Watch out world, because I think Miko is just getting started." - Rich Kurtzman, Founder and CEO, Barcelona SAE
Miko will be recognized for this achievement on Tuesday, May 28th at 1:30pm CT at the Education Abroad Community Welcome: Updates, Awards, and Guidance for Newcomers community dialogue during the NAFSA 2024 Annual Conference and Expo in New Orleans.
NAFSA is the largest and most comprehensive association of professionals committed to advancing international higher education. The association believes that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community.
More information about the award can be found at: https://www.nafsa.org/about/about-nafsa/lily-von-klemperer-award