Kansas University assistant dean of the Office of Graduate Studies will be the new academic director for KU’s International Academic Accelerator Program.

Roberta Pokphanh begins her new role next week, KU announced Tuesday.

“Her broad understanding of campus offerings and prior work in curriculum development and assessment of programs will allow her to focus on developing innovative guidance and direction that will set KU apart from other institutions around the world,” Sara Rosen, KU senior vice provost for academic affairs, said in a news release.

Roberta Pokphanh

The International Academic Accelerator Program, launched a year ago, is a partnership between KU and a private company called Shorelight Education.

Shorelight recruits students from around the world to enroll, and for a flat fee the all-in-one-style program provides 12 months of room, board, tuition and activities. Coursework focuses on intensive English and cultural instruction, and students who complete it successfully are hoped to continue on at KU as sophomores and, ultimately, through graduation.

Pokphanh has bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in art history from KU. Before joining the Office of Graduate Studies, she worked as assistant program coordinator in the Office for Diversity in Science Training and later was coordinator for the postbaccalaureate research education program.

Antha Cotten-Spreckelmeyer, who has been interim academic director, will return to her role as associate director of the Humanities and Western Civilization program at KU.

The International Academic Accelerator Program still lacks a permanent managing director, though a search is underway, Rosen said Tuesday.

Todd Fritch, an employee of Shorelight, remains the program’s interim managing director.