James P. Pellow

James Pellow has led The Council on International Educational Exchange since 2011. CIEE’s mission is to humanize international relations and advance peace in the world by facilitating the respectful exchange of ideas through international exchange programs, including study abroad, global internships, teach abroad, and exchange visitor programs.

Dr. Pellow has guided CIEE to increase access to international education for students from all socioeconomic, ethnic, and academic backgrounds by breaking down the barriers of cost, curriculum, and culture. In 2015, CIEE partnered with the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions to establish a series of programs to increase access to study abroad for students of color, including the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship, a student leadership and intercultural study abroad program; and Project Passport, a training and development program for college presidents, faculty, and students from Minority Serving Institutions. Under Pellow’s leadership, CIEE increased annual grants to $8 million, funded airfare for Pell-eligible students, and provided students with 10,000 free passports, resulting in an 85% increase in nontraditional students studying abroad.

Dr. Pellow earned his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, his MBA and BBA from Niagara University, and an honorary doctorate from Kokushikan University in Japan. He is the recipient of the Global Citizen Award (2019), the St. John’s University Spirit of Service Award (2011), the LSA Family Health Service Spirit of Community Award (2011) and the St. John’s Bread and Life Johnny’s Angel Award (2006).