Dr. Sammer Saleh Jones

Director for Global Relations

Sammer Saleh Jones is the Director for Global Relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where she is responsible for developing and fostering University international relationships through engagement at the institutional, national and international level. She joined Illinois International Programs (IIP) in 2018 after her position as the first project coordinator for the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Gifted Student Program (KGSP) under Global Education and Training.

She completed her BS in Pre-Med/African American Studies from Simmons College, MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Boston University, and MBA and PhD in Educational Policy Studies, both from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on nineteenth century educational history of Liberia, West Africa. Among her many credentials, her effectiveness as a teacher and mentor to undergraduate students has been demonstrated through her recognition across several semesters on the “List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent” at Illinois while she was a doctoral candidate.

Her multidisciplinary educational and professional experiences have afforded her the ability to work internationally in the fields of business, health, and education in countries such as Liberia, South Africa and as well as domestically in various U.S. states.

Prior to her graduate studies at Illinois, Sammer worked at Harvard School of Public Health on violence prevention and at the MetroHealth Center in Cleveland on a longitudinal breast cancer study.

Shuo (Erica) Wang

Associate Director for Global Relations

Erica joined the Illinois International ten years ago. She first worked as a translator for the China Executive Leadership Programs (now Global Education and Training) in 2012. She took a new role as the International Visitor and Protocol Specialist in 2017 and became the Coordinator for Global Relations in April 2018. At Global Relations, she provides support for strategic and emerging international partnerships, coordinates incoming and outgoing campus visits, and facilitates international partnership agreements for the campus. Erica holds an M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a B.A. in English from Tianjin Normal University in China.

Jason Conley

Campus Liaison for Global Relations

Jason Conley recently assumed the role of Campus Liaison for Global Relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Previous to his current role, he worked for the U.S. Heartland China Association, where he managed virtual and educational programs. Before his time working in U.S.-China relations, Jason spent several years teaching English as a Second Language.

Jason is a graduate of the Ohio State University and has a master’s degree in Advanced Chinese Language and Culture, specializing in the Belt and Road Initiative and foreign investment. His thesis focused on Chinese foreign policy, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the infrastructure development in western Pakistan and the Global South.

Jason remains dedicated to advancing global partnerships within higher education and fostering meaningful connections. He is deeply committed to the mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding and educational collaboration. In his personal time, Jason loves to take his dog on walks and explore new parts of the beach in the Chicago area. He also has a growing passion for plants and enjoys expanding his collection.

Shirice Harris

Partnership Coordinator for Global Relations

Shirice Harris assumed the role of Partnership Coordinator for Global Relations in June 2022. Prior to this, she served as an Education Abroad Coordinator at Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange, where she played an embedded role within the College of Education. Before venturing into higher education, Shirice dedicated nine years to teaching English.

A proud alumna of Howard University, Shirice holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications. She furthered her education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, earning a master’s degree in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a specialization in Global Studies in Education and Diversity and Equity.

In addition to her primary responsibilities, Shirice actively champions diversity as the advocate for OVPIAGS, contributes to the DEI Committee for Illinois International, serves as an I-Promise mentor, and is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Black Women In Media, and the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

With a global perspective shaped by seven years of living and working overseas, predominantly in Asia and Micronesia, Shirice identifies herself as a global citizen. Her formative years were spent between the United States and Jamaica, enriching her cultural insights.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Shirice relishes quality time with family and friends, explores her culinary skills, engages in artistic expression through painting, and finds solace in the world of literature.

Daniel Ramkumar

Office Support Specialist

Daniel is the Office Support Specialist for Global Relations, and assumed the role in December 2023. He started working for Global Relations in July 2023 as an Extra-Help employee. His main roles include handling travel and meeting logistics for outgoing and incoming delegation visits, preparing international protocol and etiquette documents such as Country Reports and Protocol Guides, and assisting with the management of Illinois International’s Global Staff Exchange Program. Daniel graduated from Pitzer College in 2023 and holds a B.A. in Mathematical Economics.