The Global Program Office leads global initiatives at the Brown School.
The Brown School has long been a leader in global social work research and education. The additions of public health and social policy have expanded the scope of global engagements in teaching and scholarship.
Faculty at the Brown School lead research on a wide variety of research topics including asset building, poverty reduction, child and adolescent mental health, gender, disability, nutrition, physical activity, HIV/AIDS, and health and the environment. They partner with institutions and communities around the world to apply research results in impactful ways.
The Brown School’s degree programs offer avenues for students to understand complex global issues and develop skills to create solutions to that improve lives in a global context. Students can study global social development in the Brown School’s top-ranked Master of Social Work program through the International Social and Economic Development Concentration, or students can specialize in Global Health in the Master of Public Health program. Students can also engage in global learning in the Master of Social Policy program and at the doctoral level. Student learning is enhanced through global practica and field-based courses.
Global teaching and scholarship offer significant opportunities to synergize across disciplines, expand bi-directional learning between the Global South and the Global North, and forge connections between St. Louis and the world.
Our Leadership
Co-Chairs of the Global Strategic Plan Subcommittees
Associate Professor of Practice
Professor
Director of Global Programs
Assistant Professor
Michael B. Kaufman Professor of Practice in Social Entrepreneurship
Global Peer Leaders
This program provides opportunities for students to drive the learning experience for fellow students through cultural celebrations, focus group interviews, mentoring programs, and coffee chats.
Our History
For over a decade, the Global Programs Office (GPO) at the Brown School at WashU has been at the heart of efforts to improve social well-being and health among the world’s most vulnerable populations. Through groundbreaking faculty research, scholar-practitioner education, enduring partnerships, emerging technologies, and strategic policy influence, GPO has helped shape more just, equitable, and healthy societies across the globe. This vital work has been carried forward by a dedicated group of faculty and staff, each leaving an indelible mark on the program’s history.
The foundation of today’s Global Programs Office was laid in June 2008 when Dean Eddie Lawlor appointed Teresa Sarai as the Brown School’s first International Programs Manager, a newly created position. Over time, Teresa’s leadership and vision earned her a promotion to Director of Global Programs, where she worked closely with Professor Gautam Yadama, who served as Director of International Relations. Together, they expanded the Brown School’s global footprint, fostering critical international collaborations. Teresa later transitioned to the McDonnell Academy Scholars Program at WashU, and in 2016, Professor Yadama departed to become Dean of the Boston College School of Social Work.
A turning point came in 2014, when former Dean Shanti Khinduka formally established the Global Programs Office, appointing Professor Carolyn Lesorogol as the inaugural Associate Dean of Global Strategy and Programs. Under her leadership, the office grew in scope and influence. When Professor Lesorogol took a sabbatical in the 2018-2019 academic year, Professor Fred Ssewamala stepped in as Acting Associate Dean, ensuring the continuity of the program’s mission. In 2021, Professor Lindsay Stark took on the role, leading the office until October 2025, when she shifted her focus to the launch of the School of Public Health.
Meanwhile, the role of Director of Global Programs transitioned to Dr Tammy Orahood in November 2015, following Teresa Sarai’s departure. Under Tammy’s leadership, the office has continued to thrive, expanding its reach and deepening global engagement.
The Global Programs Office also benefited from the contributions of Linyun Fu, an alumna who joined in 2015 as Coordinator of the MSP Fudan Program. As the MSP program flourished, so did her role – eventually evolving into Manager of Global Programs, where she oversaw all three master’s programs at the Brown School. When Linyun left to pursue a PhD, Zizi Shillig, another Brown School alumna, stepped into the role in October 2021, continuing to strengthen and support the school’s global initiatives.
Our Vision
To improve the social well-being and health of the most vulnerable populations by conducting groundbreaking research, educating scholar-practitioners, building enduring partnerships, deploying emerging technologies, and influencing policy makers, in order to promote just, equitable, and healthy societies around the world.
Our Goals
- Investigate and address the social and environmental conditions underlying development and public health around the world
- Integrate social and economic development and public health
- Focus on community engagement and capacity development—recognizing the inherent strengths and resilience that exist in communities
- Achieve sustained positive impacts through programming and policy
Find Us
309 Brown Hall, Brown School
Danforth Campus
Washington University in St. Louis
One Brookings Drive
St Louis, MO 63130