The Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC) has hired its new Senior Director of Global Learning, Dr. Heather Farmakis. Dr. Farmakis started in late August and will help lead online initiatives and Intensive English projects for the organization.
“We are so thrilled to welcome Dr. Farmakis to the TIEC team,” said TIEC President and CEO Robin J. Lerner. “She will be leading our global learning and taking our instructional programs to a new level.”
Prior to joining TIEC, Dr. Farmakis offered professional development and consulting services for association executives, school leadership, and business owners. She relocated from Florida to Texas in 2013, where she had the opportunity to serve as the Director of Academic Services for Academic Partnerships, a private higher-education consulting firm.
“My background in education includes experience in the K-12, higher education, non-profit, and for-profit environments,” Dr. Farmakis said. “I enjoy leading the development of proactive and collaborative initiatives in support of teaching and learning, and I couldn’t be more delighted to jump in and get to work.”
According to President Lerner, the Senior Director of Global Learning succeeds the former position of TIEP Director, which had been vacant since the previous director, Dr. Terry Simon, retired in May. President Lerner says the new position better reflects TIEC’s business model of expanding the organization’s in-person offerings beyond English, and expanding its English programs beyond in-person.
“It is TIEC’s job to build institutional partnerships and new products that reach students where they live,” President Lerner said. “Dr. Farmakis has extensive experience with distance learning development, curriculum design and development, and is an educator herself. I can’t think of anyone else better suited to lead us into our new era.”
Dr. Farmakis says online learning and the development of new pathways and products are some of the many things that motivate her about the position.
“I took this job because I want to be part of an organization where I will continue to grow professionally and work toward something I am passionate about—which is education,” she said. “TIEC’s mission and vision really inspire me, and I am excited about this opportunity to help the organization grow into new directions.”
Dr. Farmakis earned her PhD in Global Leadership and Master of Educational Leadership from Lynn University. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Florida Atlantic University with a concentration in Psychology and Criminal Justice and holds a Certificate in Women’s Studies.
When asked what excites her most about the role, she replied that she looks forward to the opportunity to use her background and skills to make an impact in international education.
“I am a strategic and creative thinker with experience in many aspects of education,” she said. “The reality that international education is a life-changing experience fuels my passion for this role.”
Click here to view Dr. Heather Farmakis’ full bio.