CONGRATULATIONS GO TO ...

 

Announced at our 2025 CIS Global Forum on Higher Education Admission & Guidance on 14 November in Seville, Spain

 

It’s a special moment each year when we shine a spotlight on three extraordinary individuals whose passion, dedication, and leadership positively impact the lives of countless students and inspire colleagues worldwide.

The achievements of these three professionals demonstrate excellence in their work and exemplify the very best of our community—championing inclusion, integrity, and innovation, and reminding us of the profound impact that caring, committed educators can have.

Please join us in congratulating and honouring their excellence in 2025.

 

Read their inspiring nominations below.

 

 

2025 EXCELLENCE IN COUNSELLING

Michelle Duschang from Hisar School

‘The rock of our very close counselling community.’

We’re delighted to recognize Michelle for Excellence in Counselling, acknowledging her exceptional contributions as a CIS school counsellor who actively advances international guidance, counselling, and education transition support for secondary students. 

This recognition for excellence honours an individual who exemplifies the CIS Mission, Vision, and Values, as a socially responsible leader committed to prioritising students' best interests, inclusion, and well-being. They deeply understand the transformative role of a school counsellor in the lives of students, families, and communities. They also maintain high expectations and a positive outlook while acting ethically and with personal integrity. This individual also fosters professional development among colleagues and makes a lasting impact on CIS and the international educational community.

This year, we honour Michelle, whose career has been defined by unwavering dedication, compassion, and leadership in the international education community.

She has devoted over three decades to admissions and counselling, serving in both university admissions and school counselling roles.

Colleagues and friends describe Michelle as ‘the rock of our very close counselling community,’ and ‘a beacon of generosity and compassion.’ Her approachable and supportive nature makes them a trusted advisor and mentor, always willing to listen, guide, and uplift those around them.

A colleague noted, ‘Michelle is widely recognized in our community as someone who acts with integrity, holds themselves and others to high standards, and always demonstrates warmth, kindness, and respect toward those around them.’

Her advocacy for students is tireless, ensuring each student finds the right academic fit, supporting unique financial circumstances, and celebrating successes long after graduation. A colleague told us, ‘Her approach is exemplary; she listens attentively, provides thoughtful guidance, and encourages students to pursue their goals with confidence and curiosity.’

Michelle’s impact extends far beyond their own institution. She has led CIS tours, hosted university representatives, presented at conferences, and contributed to professional development initiatives that have shaped the field of university counselling locally and internationally.

Her leadership on advisory boards and active involvement in CIS, International ACAC, and other organizations have strengthened the global counselling community. Michelle is recognized for her integrity, cultural awareness, and innovative spirit, always striving to expand access and equity in education.

For her lifelong dedication, exemplary service, and transformative impact on students, colleagues, and the international educational community, we are proud to recognize Michelle Duschang from Hisar School for Excellence in Counselling.

 

 

EXCELLENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION PRACTICES

Barbara Prevosti from Bocconi University

‘An invaluable asset to international higher education’

We celebrate Barbara for Excellence in Higher Education Practices to acknowledge her contributions and achievements in international student enrolment management.

This recognition of excellence acknowledges an individual who embodies the CIS Mission & Values through their commitment to socially responsible leadership and the principles of inclusion via diversity, equity, and anti-discrimination (I-DEA).

The recipient actively promotes international post-secondary education and cultural understanding, advocates for colleagues' professional development, and understands what their university enrolment management work can mean for students, their families and country, and our world. 

We’ve learned from those who nominated Barbara that she models integrity, ethical professionalism and high personal expectations, and consistently place students’ best interests at the forefront. Through inspiring leadership and significant contributions to the CIS community, she champions an environment of understanding, well-being, and broad-minded engagement with diverse cultures and educational approaches.

Barbara is described as ‘the face of international education in her home country’, ‘a gem for their institution’, ‘an invaluable asset to international higher education’, and ‘an exemplary professional and a beloved colleague whose contributions to our community are invaluable.’ Her expertise is matched only by her warmth, generosity, and unwavering support for university counsellors around the world.

A counsellor noted, ‘there is no question, large or small, that Barbara cannot answer, and is always ready to provide encouragement and support. Whether leading training sessions, or presenting at conferences, she is always approachable, patient, and dedicated to fostering collaboration and professional growth.’

With over 25 years of experience, Barbara has played a pivotal role in strengthening institutional growth, student engagement, and global partnerships. She has led initiatives that bridge academia and industry, foster experiential learning, and promote curriculum modernisation and international collaboration. A colleague noted, ‘Barbara has dedicated her life to providing equity and access to education, long before these terms even existed.’ Her leadership in founding the European Universities Consortium and representing her university has opened doors for students, making it easier and more engaging for students to explore diverse opportunities across Europe.

Through her tireless advocacy, innovative spirit, and commitment to ethical practice, Barbara has made a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the global education community. Her legacy is one of kindness, inclusivity, exemplary professionalism, and transformative leadership. A colleague summarises it well, ‘how fortunate we all are to have Barbara as a guide and inspiration!’

We are delighted to recognize Barbara Prevosti from Bocconi University for Excellence in Higher Education Practices.

 

 

 

2025 EXCELLENCE IN CHANGE & INNOVATION

Jeff Neill from Graded—The American School of São Paulo

‘A thought leader in the responsible use of artificial intelligence in counselling.’

Congratulations to Jeff, recognized for Excellence in Change & Innovation to honour him as a changemaker whose contributions and achievements demonstrate leadership among his peers and a record of creating positive and lasting change within the international enrolment management and guidance communities. 

Individuals or groups recognized in this category demonstrate innovation and enthusiasm in their work, as well as a commitment to service and volunteerism. They promote global and cultural understanding, recognizing the broader impact of their work on students, families, countries, and the world. They are exemplary leaders known for their integrity and ethical professional practices, with a positive attitude and demeanour towards others. They prioritise students' best interests and value diverse cultures and educational programmes. They actively participate in the CIS community, embodying the CIS Mission, Vision, and Values, with a focus on socially responsible leadership, well-being, and a commitment to inclusion via diversity, equity, and anti-discrimination (I-DEA). 

In his 2025 nominations, Jeff is described as ‘a connector of people’ and is known for transforming simple ideas into vibrant, global communities.

One of Jeff’s most inspiring initiatives is the “Third Thursday” gatherings—a virtual professional learning network that brings counsellors together from across regions and continents. What began as a small idea has grown into a collaborative space for shared growth and support, thanks to Jeff’s vision and steady leadership.

He is also a thought leader in the responsible use of artificial intelligence in counselling.

As noted by a peer, ‘while many claim that AI depersonalises the counselling profession, I have seen, day-in-day-out, that Jeff proves them wrong. He has learned a language that many of us feared but many of our students embraced. In that lies his innovative genius: he learned a new language and then taught us all—students and counsellors alike—how to use it responsibly and strategically.’

Through Jeff’s engaging weekly newsletter, he shares practical resources, AI prompt libraries, and checklists that help colleagues reimagine what’s possible in the profession. His work has empowered counsellors to streamline administrative tasks, such as drafting nuanced recommendation letters and expediting email responses, creating measurable efficiency gains for peers worldwide. A colleague noted that Jeff ‘doesn't just synthesize complicated processes; he reduces them to simple steps that magically multiply our student-facing time.’

Colleagues describe Jeff as ‘humble and authentic, generous with his time and grounded in sincerity.’ He is known for his camaraderie and intellectual generosity. A peer said he is ‘the role model of what a counsellor—and a positive agent of change—can be.’

We are delighted to recognize Jeff Neill from Graded - The American School of São Paulo for Excellence in Change & Innovation in international education admissions and guidance.

 

About CIS recognitions for excellence

Don’t delay, nominate today! It only takes a minute or two to nominate individuals and teams year-round as you meet them digitally or out on the road! Learn more