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Napier taught comparative and international education for 22 years in the UGA College of Education.

Diane B. Napier, recently retired faculty member in the University of Georgia’s College of Education, has been elected Secretary-General of the World Council of Comparative Education Societies (WCCES), based on her international reputation of more than two decades of work in the field.

Napier, a former associate professor in the department of workforce education, leadership and social foundations, studied and taught comparative and international education for more than 22 years as a UGA faculty member. She retired in May 2012.

Napier will remain active in teaching and working with UGA doctoral students and service in a COE retire/rehire agreement.  She is also continuing her international field research in sub-Saharan Africa, and is currently working on several research-focused book projects in addition to taking on the duties of the Secretary-General for a five-year term.

“Having the WCCES Secretariat located at UGA is a key development that addresses the College and University internationalization initiatives,” said Napier. “The WCCES connection now means enhanced opportunities for other UGA faculty who have international experience and research/teaching activities to connect with colleagues who are members of the 40 WCCES Constituent Societies worldwide to consider new forms of collaboration and participation in disciplines and departments across the College and University.”

Napier’s role will be to facilitate initial contacts and connections. UGA students can also benefit from and participate in the activities of the WCCES with the Office of the Secretariat serving as the point of contact.

Within the larger UGA academic community, and beyond to the University System of Georgia, Napier’s new position will enhance visibility and connections for colleagues in the USG Regional Councils (Africa, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Americas) within which faculty from all units in the USG system participate in activities and programs to enhance international education. Napier is a longtime member and officer of the USG Africa World Regional Council and the UGA Institute of African Studies.

Established in 1970, the World Council (www.wcces.com) is a global professional organization registered with UNESCO that promotes the study of comparative and international education, and focuses on major educational problems from local to global in scope.

Every three years WCCES holds a World Congress to bring together members from Constituent Societies to share research and to explore ways to enhance the quality of education, enhance excellence and strive to assist in realizing education for all. The 2013 World Congress will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina on June 24-28, 2013 and will be hosted by the Argentine Comparative Education Society (www.wcces2013.com.ar).