Cynthia Meurling Selected as Director of Global Administration at Duke 

Cynthia Meurling has joined Duke University as director of global administration, leading the day-to-day operations of the Global Program Support unit and overseeing the systems that support Duke’s global operations and partnerships.

Cynthia Meurling has been selected as director of global administration at Duke University to lead the day-to-day operations of the newly launched Global Program Support unit. In this role, she will provide strategic and operational leadership for the university’s global administrative functions and activities, strengthening the systems and services that support Duke’s international education, research and partnerships. Her work will ensure that faculty, students and staff receive high-quality, responsive support as they navigate the complex operational, financial and legal dimensions of global engagement.

“Cynthia brings a rare combination of strategic insight, operational excellence and deep experience in global engagement,” said Valerie Hausman, associate vice provost for global administration. “She understands both the opportunities and the complexities that come with international education and research, and she is exceptionally well positioned to help establish and guide the Global Program Support unit. I am delighted to welcome her to Duke and look forward to the leadership she will bring in strengthening the systems and support that enable our global work to thrive.”

Meurling brings more than a decade of experience managing cross-functional operations for international organizations and projects. She most recently served as director of operations for the Global Health Division at RTI International, where she oversaw programmatic and administrative functions across a diverse global portfolio. Her career began as a peace corps volunteer, and she has since lived and worked in more than 20 countries, bringing a deeply informed, global perspective to her leadership.

“I am so pleased to work with my stellar Global Program Support colleagues to streamline and strengthen support for our incredible faculty, students and staff as they make their mark around the world and bring their global experiences back to campus and into their communities,” Meurling said. “I first experienced the joys and complexities of international engagement through student exchange and study abroad, making the opportunity to support global education and research at Duke exceptionally sweet.”

Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Tufts University, a Master of Public Administration in International Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and a Master of Studies in Law from Wake Forest University. Cynthia loves reading, running, live music and consuming copious amounts of Nutella.

To learn more about Duke’s diverse global work, visit global.duke.edu.