The Forum on Education Abroad selected Ta’Yanna “Tee” Dandridge as the 2026 Sara’s Wish Foundation Fellow.
Dandridge is a senior research/program assistant in the Office of International Programs and Studies at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
The fellowship is awarded annually to one emerging professional in international education who demonstrates potential for leadership and professional growth in the field. Dandridge is the only fellow selected nationwide for the 2026 cohort.
As part of the fellowship, Dandridge will complete a professional certification program offered through a partnership between The Forum on Education Abroad and School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute, an international education and training institution based in Brattleboro, Vt.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The certification program will focus on health, safety and best practices in education abroad.
During the one-year fellowship, Dandridge will also complete projects related to health and safety in international education. These may include developing resources for the field, delivering presentations, contributing research or volunteering at forum events.
“I am honored to receive this fellowship and excited for the opportunity to continue growing in the field of international education,” Dandridge said. “International students bring invaluable global perspectives that can inspire young people, especially those who may have never imagined opportunities beyond their hometown.”
Dandridge said education abroad programs provide UAPB students with opportunities to broaden their perspective and experience new cultures.
“Education abroad gives UAPB students the opportunity to step outside of what they know and experience the world from a broader perspective,” she said. “For many of our students, international travel may not have always seemed within reach, so programs like these help expand their perspective and show them that their education, ideas and leadership can have a global impact.”
Dandridge earned a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from UAPB and later received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
She is a member of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and was one of two recipients of the Region III Glenn Freeman First Timer Scholarship at the organization’s 2025 regional conference. She is also a participant in the Leadership Pine Bluff Class of 2026.
Pamela D. Moore, Ph.D., associate dean for global engagement at UAPB, said the fellowship offers valuable professional development opportunities for those working in international education.
“I can personally attest that opportunities for exposure and learning about global careers can be limited for young people growing up in the Delta region,” Moore said. “This program will allow Tee to learn from experienced professionals in international education and further strengthen the work she does in support of our students. Moreover, I cannot over-emphasize the respect and high regard for SIT in international education and development circles. I am pleased to know that she will participate in a professional development program in which this institution is engaged.”
Moore said Dandridge’s work in the Office of International Programs and Studies includes supporting education abroad initiatives, the Peace Corps Prep program and services for international students.
“She helps ensure international students feel welcomed, supported and valued while studying in the United States,” Moore said. “She also plays an important role in connecting international students with the campus community and the Pine Bluff community.”
Since joining the office in 2019, Dandridge has contributed to outreach efforts promoting global learning opportunities for students, including producing informational materials and videos highlighting international programs. She also assists with logistics and program coordination for education abroad initiatives and Peace Corps Prep activities.
Dandridge also supports the operation of the Going Global Lions Information System, an internal risk and compliance management portal used to track international programs and maintain records related to international travel and student services.
Moore said Dandridge is also preparing to coordinate her first international program abroad.
Through a collaborative initiative between UAPB and University of Maryland Eastern Shore, faculty and students will participate in a short-term program in Kenya focused on food nutrition and community garden initiatives. The program will include training and technical assistance activities in partnership with Chuka University.
Dandridge said her work with international students has helped her understand the challenges students face when entering unfamiliar environments and has strengthened her appreciation for global learning experiences.
“As someone preparing to coordinate my first education abroad program to Kenya in 2026 under the mentorship of Dr. Pamela Moore, I believe our students will return with greater confidence, cultural awareness and a deeper understanding of how their knowledge and leadership can make an impact both globally and in communities like Pine Bluff,” Dandridge said.
Dandridge also said the Peace Corps Prep program plays an important role in preparing students for service and leadership.
“The Peace Corps Prep program at UAPB is designed to prepare students who are interested in global service and leadership by helping them build the skills, experiences and perspectives needed to work alongside communities both locally and internationally,” she said.
After attending the Peace Corps University Partners Summit last fall, Dandridge said she gained a new perspective on the meaning of service.
“One of the biggest lessons that stayed with me was the importance of being intentional about how we approach service,” she said. “Meaningful impact begins with taking the time to listen, understand communities and work alongside them rather than assuming we already know the solution.”
Will Hehemann is an extension specialist of communications with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.
