As the MV World Odyssey embarks on its 135th voyage for the Spring 2025 semester, an extraordinary journey of global learning, exploration, and personal growth awaits all voyagers. At the core of this transformative experience is the dedicated Voyage Leadership Team (VoLT), a dynamic group committed to guiding voyagers toward academic, social, and personal success. Join us in celebrating the incredible leaders who will navigate and inspire this unforgettable adventure of a lifetime!
Executive Dean: Jenny Alanis
Jennifer Alanis brings over 16 years of experience in student affairs administration across diverse institutional settings, including community colleges, large research universities, small private colleges, and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI). She has sailed on three Semester at Sea voyages, most recently serving as the assistant executive dean for the Fall 2019 Voyage. Alanis is excited to collaborate with her leadership team and witness the transformative journey of voyagers, including her own children! Alanis holds the distinction of being the first Latina executive dean for Semester at Sea.
Academic Dean: Fabiola Ehlers-Zavala
Fabiola Ehlers-Zavala will serve as the academic dean for the Spring 2025 Semester at Sea Voyage. With a background as a language teacher and educator, she brings extensive experience to her role. Ehlers-Zavala looks forward to creating an engaging experiential learning environment and supporting students as they grow throughout their voyage.
Dean of Students: Carmen Rivera
Carmen Rivera is serving as the Dean of Student Life for the Spring 2025 voyage. Rivera has been working in higher education for 25 years, working for student affairs in the vice president’s office. Rivera is excited to support students’ growth and witness the transformative impact of the program. As a first-generation college graduate, she also looks forward to connecting with first-generation students throughout the voyage.
Assistant Executive Dean: Mike Ellis
Mike Ellis will serve as the assistant executive dean for the Spring 2025 Semester at Sea Voyage. He previously held the role of dean of student life on the Spring 2018 voyage. With over 25 years of experience at Colorado State University, Ellis most recently served as associate vice president of student affairs and executive director of the student center. He looks forward to fostering connections among students, lifelong learners, and ship kids, and supporting the growth of the shipboard community.
Academic Advisor/Registrar: Robyn Jeep Ernst
Robyn Jeep Ernst will serve as the academic advisor and registrar for the Spring 2025 Semester at Sea voyage. With over 15 years of experience as an academic advisor at Colorado State University, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Ernst looks forward to supporting students’ academic journeys, witnessing their growth, and hearing their stories from traveling abroad. She will also have her two children on board for the voyage.
Assistant Dean of Student Life: Tyler Crisman
Tyler Crisman brings over 19 years of experience in higher education administration, specializing in student housing and student conduct. He has also served as adjunct faculty at New York University, Arizona State University, and the University of San Diego. Crisman has extensive international travel experience and recently achieved a personal milestone of visiting all 50 U.S. states. Having previously sailed with Semester at Sea, he is thrilled to return and accompany students on this transformative journey. Crisman looks forward to supporting voyagers as they embark on this life-changing adventure.
Field Director: Amy Newcomb
Amy Newcomb will serve as the field director for the Spring 2025 Semester at Sea Voyage. With 20 years of experience as an international and intercultural education consultant for Compacity Partners and 15 years in Dartmouth College’s Department of International Affairs, she brings extensive expertise to her role. Newcomb looks forward to seeing field classes and programs come to life and watching voyagers apply their shipboard learning to in-port experiences. She will also be joined by her 16-year-old son and is excited to witness his personal growth throughout the voyage.
Care Team Director: Dwight Burke
Dwight Burke will serve as the care team director for the Spring 2025 Semester at Sea voyage. He joined Semester at Sea after retiring from Colorado State University, where he spent 40 years as the director of support and safety assessment. Burke looks forward to building meaningful connections with students, lifelong learners, faculty, staff, and their companions throughout the voyage.
Follow Along the Voyage
As we begin this transformative journey, the leadership team is prepared to inspire, support, and challenge every member of the shipboard community. Their dedication to education, global engagement, and student development will make the Spring 2025 Semester at Sea Voyage an extraordinary experience for all.
Stay connected for updates and stories from the MV World Odyssey as we navigate this remarkable voyage of discovery together!
