Thank You and Farewell Dr. Tanu Kohli

Working at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is a rewarding experience, filled with opportunities for growth and learning. Dr. Tanu Kohli, a vital member of the CGE team over the last six years, recently announced her departure. We had the privilege of talking with Dr. Kohli to gain insight into her time at the CGE, her accomplishments and her future endeavors.

When asked about her tenure at the CGE, Dr. Kohli reminisced, "When I accepted the job offer at the CGE six years ago, I expected to solely dedicate myself to curricular innovation, research, and teaching in the Global Citizenship Certificate. However, within a day – at my first International Coffee Hour – I realized that I had joined a team whose commitment to excellence in student service was extremely infectious." Dr. Kohli’s arrival marked the beginning of a transformative period for both her and the CGE, setting the stage for the impactful work she would undertake. 

Dr. Kohli's role as the GCC Program Director was a significant milestone in her journey at the CGE. She explained, "I served as the GCC Program Director from Fall 2021 to December 2021 in an acting capacity and Fall 2022 onward in a permanent capacity." During her time as the program director, Dr. Kohli made notable contributions to the Global Citizenship Certificate (GCC) program, focusing on increasing student engagement in the post-COVID era. 

Dr. Kohli's engagement at CGE extended beyond her role as the GCC Program Director. She enthusiastically shared, "I initially joined the GCC as a teaching faculty in 2017 and was tasked with managing the Engage Your World Speaker Series. The latter led to tremendous professional growth and a realization of my personal strengths and weaknesses." These various roles allowed Dr. Kohli to connect with students, colleagues, and the community in unique and meaningful ways.

When asked about her favorite part of working at the CGE, Dr. Kohli's answer was heartfelt: "The best part was the people." Dr. Kohli elaborated on the profound impact that students and colleagues had on her. Students pushed her to be a better teacher and mentor, while her colleagues taught her valuable collaboration skills.

Reflecting on her role at the GCC, Dr. Kohli highlighted the joy of working with diverse teams. "…whether it is students, colleagues, my supervisors or the CGE leadership," she explained. The feedback from GCC students shaped the program's improvements, while interns and assistants brought fresh ideas for community building. Dr. Kohli also acknowledged the guidance of Dr. Green, whose leadership and institutional knowledge were invaluable.

Leaving the CGE behind, Dr. Kohli expressed a sense of loss. "I will miss the energy and vibe of the CGE. Unless I walked into an empty room, I would always get a response to my silliest of comments, no matter how busy everyone was," she shared wistfully. Dr. Kohli also cherished the interactions with her students, whether it was a simple wave when they were studying in the CGE lounge or a deep conversation about life.

While bidding farewell to the CGE, Dr. Kohli embarks on an exciting new chapter in her life. She revealed, "Apart from spending time with my amazing and unquestionably supportive partner of 15 years, I will be joining the University of California, Los Angeles - Extension campus as their Inaugural Director for Academic Advising and Student Services." Dr. Kohli's expertise and dedication will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact at her new institution.

Concluding our conversation, we asked Dr. Kohli if there was anything else she would like to say. She lightheartedly responded, "I should probably say ‘food’ because of all the CGE intercultural events, but it is perhaps the learning that happens at each of these events." Her sense of humor and warm spirit will be missed dearly by the CGE team.

Dr. Tanu Kohli's departure from the Center for Global Engagement marks the end of an era filled with achievements, growth and the forging of lasting relationships. Her dedication to fostering global citizenship and empowering students has left an indelible impact on the CGE community. As she embarks on her new role at UCLA - Extension, Dr. Kohli's expertise and passion will continue to inspire and shape the lives of those she encounters. The CGE will forever be grateful for her contributions, and her departure leaves a bittersweet void that will be felt by all who had the pleasure of working alongside her.