Meet GEO
Our Mission
The mission of the Global Education Office (GEO) is to serve Marymount University faculty and students by providing thoughtful leadership, administrative support, and academically-based international programming that fosters the development of the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to be active, informed, and culturally sensitive citizens in the global community.
Our Primary Functions
- To identify and develop quality and accessible international programs which promote a global perspective, creativity, discovery and excellence in higher education.
- To advance Marymount’s internationalization efforts through identifying international professional development opportunities for faculty, promoting opportunities for global programming collaboration between academic departments and non-academic offices, and by expanding global programs and partnerships.
Dr. Witold Wolny
Director, Global Education Office
wwolny@marymount.edu
Direct: 703-284-5763
Dr. Witold Wolny serves as the Director of Global Education and Senior International Officer (SIO) at Marymount University. He has extensive expertise in international education exchange and program development. His career includes establishing international program offices at CEU College in Seville, Spain, and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, as well as leading study abroad and study away programs at Belmont University, Nashville. He approaches leadership with a comprehensive perspective on global education, encompassing innovative program implementation, policy development, risk management, and strategic partnerships. Actively engaged in prominent U.S. organizations dedicated to international education, including NAFSA, AIEA, EAIE, and the Forum on Education Abroad, Dr. Wolny also served as a panelist for Gilman Scholarship Reviews.
As a board member of the Transatlantic Dialogue initiative under the European Cultural Parliament, he has promoted cultural diplomacy and garnered recognition for his contributions to multicultural education. His global perspective, acquired through visits to 31 countries and collaborations with leading universities worldwide, enriches his roles with cross-cultural insight. Additionally, Wolny’s academic background as a tenured professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions at CEU and UVA Wise informs his research interests in contemporary science, culture, and religion, enhancing his contributions to the field.
Outside his professional pursuits, he enjoys playing classical guitar, songwriting, and recently published a multilingual songbook. His music video ‘Fran‘, performed in Spanish, Italian, Chinese and French, is dedicated to Covid-19 victims, with its English version focusing on environmental awareness.
Aki Regan
Advisor, Global Education Office
aregan@marymount.edu
Direct: 703-247-8058
Click here to schedule an appointment with Aki
With over 5 years of experience in international education and government, Aki is passionate about the power of intercultural exchange. After completing her undergraduate studies at Appalachian State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Nonprofit Management, she spent 4 years in northern Japan. There, she taught English through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program and later, worked with the local government in tourism and town revitalization efforts. Aki then continued her commitment to fostering cultural understanding by working as an Educational Programs Coordinator at the Embassy of Japan, where she organized engaging cultural presentations and provided guidance to students on study abroad opportunities.
In addition to her roles in education and government, Aki assisted with translation and interpretation between the Embassy of Jordan in Tokyo and Noshiro City Hall during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as part of Japan’s Host Town Initiative.
Aki joined GEO in September 2023, driven by her passion for fostering cross-cultural connections. As the GEO Advisor, she collaborates with students to create personalized study abroad plans. Outside of work, she enjoys running in local races, eating her way through the DMV’s diverse food scene, and thrifting and crafting with friends. She is currently pursuing her Masters at American University’s School of International Service to deepen her understanding of internationalization in higher education.
