Penn State further advanced its Global Engagement Strategy last month with the introduction of the new Global Ambassador Program. President Barron officially launched the program by appointed Dragan Primorac as the first ambassador. Primorac will represent Penn State in the Republic of Croatia.

“The Global Ambassador Program was created to help strengthen and promote the University’s Global Engagement Strategy and build a truly ‘Global Penn State’ by engaging Penn State alumni and friends around the world in meaningful volunteer opportunities,” said Jennifer Theiss, Assistant Director of International Alumni Relations.

The Global Ambassador Program aims to connect with various institutions around the world that share Penn State’s commitment to advocating for important world issues. The program encourages alumni and friends of Penn State with connections to other countries to serve as resources for university leaders. Ambassadors and volunteers will help identify new internship opportunities for students, serve as resources and points of contact Penn State faculty and students, and welcome Penn Staters relocating to different regions. Leaders of the program hope that appointed ambassadors will build Penn State’s involvement in various countries’ institutions and government.

“[Primorac] is committed to advocating for Penn State’s role in Croatia and will serve as a point of contact at not only the University of Split but in southeastern Europe in general,” said Michael Adewumi, Vice Provost for Global Programs.

Primorac is a pediatric doctor, forensic expert, geneticist, and university professor. His advancements in forensic DNA analysis in Croatia are among the many successes that qualify him for the position. He also served as a minister of science, education, and sports in Croatia from 2003 to 2009. Primorac is currently an adjunct professor at Penn State.

“Everything started with a great relationship with Mitch Holland (associate professor of forensic science in the Eberly College of Science) and more will result with this tremendous partnership by bringing Penn State to every continent and country I have partners in,” Primorac said. “This is a huge honor, and it makes me so proud to be a part of Penn State’s Global Network Strategy.”

Although Primorac is the first appointed ambassador, more Penn State community members will be appointed as Global Ambassadors on an ongoing basis throughout this upcoming year.

“This summer, we will launch a website for the program that will provide information about the ambassadors, resources and contact information for international alumni volunteers around the world,” Theiss said.