Syracuse University has appointed Erika Wilkens to serve as assistant provost and executive director of the SU Abroad program, the university announced Thursday.

Wilkens previously served as special assistant for global engagement and ran the Syracuse Istanbul program, of which she was the founding director, per an SU News release. As executive director, Wilkens will oversee all day-to-day operations of SU Abroad and develop a long-term strategic plan for the program.   

Margaret Himley stepped down as executive director in September 2017 after six years in that position. Petra Hejnova, director of curriculum and academic services for SU Abroad, served as interim executive director until Wilkens took over the role Monday.

Wilkens led operations of SU Abroad’s Istanbul program until the center was shut down in 2017 due to political unrest in the region. She received a doctorate in political science from SU and has taught at several universities, including two in Istanbul. Wilkens has also conducted international research in Canada, Belgium and India.