The University of Arizona College of Education proudly congratulates Dr. Jenny J. Lee, Vice President and Dean of Arizona International and Professor in the Center for the Study of Higher Education, for being selected as one of the 200 Most Influential Education Scholars in the United States in the 2026 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings published by Education Week. This prestigious annual list recognizes university-based scholars whose research, writing, and public engagement have had the most significant impact on educational practice and policy nationwide.

Dr. Lee’s visionary scholarship — including more than 150 publications and her award-winning book U.S. Power in International Higher Education — has reshaped how the field understands the role of migration policy, geopolitics, and social forces in driving inequities across higher education systems. Her work, consistently funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education, bridges rigorous research and real-world impact, influencing global education conversations and policy decisions.

As Chief International Affairs Officer, Dean, and CEO of University of Arizona Global Operations, Dr. Lee leads strategic global engagement initiatives that expand the university’s international footprint and strengthen cross-cultural partnerships. A recognized leader in her field, she ranks among the top 2% of scholars worldwide and is a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Her voice is widely sought by major media outlets, including The New York Times, Nature, Science, and NPR.

We celebrate Dr. Lee’s remarkable achievements and the enduring impact of her leadership, scholarship, and commitment to advancing equity, innovation, and excellence in international higher education.

Read the full article from Education Week, recognizing Dr. Lee as one of the nation’s top education scholars.