Staff Profile: Devin Ferguson

Name: Devin Ferguson
Department: Office of International Programs
Title: Staff Associate
Date you joined APLU: July 2018

What education or work experience had the greatest impact on you? My experience teaching English overseas on the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) Programme following graduation had an enormous impact on me. It was the catalyst for my interest in international exchange and education which eventually led me to pursue my Masters in International Education.

What motivates you to work in higher education? As my own experiences in undergrad, both international and domestic, were so important to my personal, professional, and academic growth, I knew I wanted to work in higher education and facilitate similar opportunities for students.

What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve found about APLU? The most unexpected thing I’ve found about APLU is that the staff here are working on so many different projects that are addressing issues in higher education in such creative ways. Our partnerships with our members are an incredible source of fuel for making really positive changes at our institutions, and it’s pretty inspiring.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why does it stand out? I am a huge fan of ice festivals and illuminations. The best place I’ve ever travelled was to Sapporo, Japan during the Snow Festival in 2016.

What is one thing on your bucket list? My dream bucket list destination would be the Harbin Ice Festival in China.

What’s the last book you read? On the wintry theme, the latest book I’ve read is The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiesson, who wrote an intriguing travel narrative that covered both the nature-scape and history of Nepal, as well as his own issues with overcoming personal loss.

What was the last concert you attended? The last concert I attended was the Ballroom Thieves in November, 2018.