Dr. Joe Gonzalez
Dr. Joe Gonzalez, recipient of the 2021 Faculty/Staff Global Leadership Award, has made profound and lasting contributions to global learning at App State through his scholarship, teaching, and program development. His global leadership can be seen across three interconnected areas: abroad, on campus, and in research.
Internationally, Joe has designed and led multiple study abroad programs to Cuba—a country he knows deeply and engages with thoughtfully. His programs blend academic rigor with immersive experiences that strengthen connections between Americans and Cubans, earning recognition from University Communications for their innovative design and impact.
On campus, Joe has been a cornerstone of the Global Studies program since its inception, where he has taught, advised, redesigned curriculum, and served as director. He played a significant role in the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), served on the QEP Council, and collaborated with colleagues and the ACT Program to develop international programming that expands student engagement with the world.
Joe’s research reflects his deep global expertise. As a historian of Cuban–U.S. relations, he publishes in both English and Spanish, often partnering with the Institute for Cuban History in Havana as an affiliated scholar. He recently completed a book-length manuscript for the UNC Press “Envisioning Cuba” series, further contributing to international scholarship.
Across all of his work, Joe has dedicated himself to transforming students’ lives by challenging assumptions, broadening perspectives, and building meaningful opportunities for global learning. His enduring commitment makes him a truly deserving recipient of the 2021 Global Leadership Award.
Ellie Harris
Ellie Harris, the 2021 Student Global Leadership Award recipient, has made a lasting impact on global learning at App State through her dedicated service in International Appalachian (INTAPP). Joining as a freshman, she quickly became a key contributor to programs that support international students, including organizing orientation sessions in partnership with OIED—often the very first App State experience for new international students. Ellie rose to the executive board her junior year, serving as Business Committee Chair, where she oversaw recruitment efforts and led major events such as the Global Panel and INTAPP’s flagship Coffee Buzz 5K fundraiser, which supports the Landon Hill Memorial Scholarship for study abroad.
During the pandemic, Ellie demonstrated remarkable adaptability by transitioning these signature programs to virtual formats while maintaining strong participation and impact. Under her leadership, the Fall 2020 Global Panel drew more than 40 attendees, and the 2021 virtual Coffee Buzz 5K raised nearly $1,000 for student scholarships. Now serving as INTAPP president, Ellie continues to navigate the challenges of balancing virtual and in-person engagement while preserving institutional knowledge and advancing a global mindset on campus. Her leadership, resilience, and creativity have strengthened INTAPP and enriched the international community at App State.
Christian Rivera
Christian Rivera, the 2021 Student Global Leadership Award recipient, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to supporting immigrant and refugee communities both locally and abroad throughout his time at App State. A dedicated undergraduate social work student, Christian first deepened his global perspective through a study abroad program in Costa Rica in 2019, where his passion for advocacy and community engagement became clear.
In 2020, he helped found Students Supporting Immigrants and Refugees (SSIR), a student organization he now leads as President. Under his leadership, SSIR has partnered with the Immigrant Justice Coalition to host community education events and multiple fundraisers that have strengthened scholarship support for immigration-affected youth pursuing higher education. Christian has also played an essential role in efforts to increase the availability and acceptance of valid photo IDs for immigrant community members, collaborating with fellow social work students and local organizations to expand access and awareness.
His leadership extends to campus outreach as well—Christian has helped organize a visit day for local Latinx high school students to App State, reinforcing his commitment to supporting future first-generation and immigrant college students. His continued dedication and advocacy embody the spirit of global leadership, and his work has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the High Country community.