Dr. JY Zhou serves as the Associate Provost for International Initiatives and the Executive Director of the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) at James Madison University. In this role, she leads JMU’s comprehensive internationalization efforts, ensuring the university is instrumental in preparing students to be educated and responsible global citizens.

A dedicated scholar-practitioner, Dr. Zhou maintains an active research agenda focused on defining and assessing comprehensive internationalization as a dynamic system. Her work encompasses global learning assessment, curriculum internationalization, and faculty development. Her contributions to the field have been recognized by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) as a campus model for excellence in global learning.
Beyond her work at JMU, Dr. Zhou is a recognized leader in the international education community. She currently serves as the Chair of the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference Committee and is the past Chair of the Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum (CLAC) Consortium. She is frequently invited to consult and deliver workshops at various universities and prominent international conferences.

Dr. Zhou holds a doctorate in Educational Theory and Practices from Binghamton University-SUNY. 

Selected publications: 

• Zhou, J. (2025). A dynamic systems approach on first-gen study abroad: A literature review. In L. Garrigues (Ed.), Rethinking higher education through the strengths and insights of first-generation college students (Volume Two: First-generation college students and study abroad). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/978100358789
• Zhou, J. (2022). Global learning: Definition, assessment, and approaches. Journal of Global Education and Research, 6(2), 115-132. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1347277
• Charles, H., Zhou, J., & Scarnati, B. (2021). Foregrounding a globalized localism for social justice through the 21st century college curriculum. The Global Impact Exchange (Winter, 2021). https://www.academia.edu/104041631/Foregrounding_a_Globalized_Localism_for_Social_Justice_Through_the_21st_Century_College_Curriculum
• Zhou, J. (2021). Understanding international education as a dynamic system. University World News. Retrieved from: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20210118073617320
• Zhou, J. (2019). How to engage faculty in curriculum internationalization. University World News. Retrieved from: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=2019041510015080
• Zhou, J. (2017). Assessment of internationalization of higher education: Theoretical contributions and practical implications. NAFSA: Research Symposium Series, 1, 31-49. https://www.academia.edu/s/e706efd765?source=link
• Zhou, J. (2016). A Dynamic Systems approach to internationalization of higher education. Journal of International Education and Leadership, 6(1), 1-14. https://www.academia.edu/30788476/A_Dynamic_Systems_Approach_to_Internationalization_of_Higher_Education?source=swp_share