Founded in 1986, Phi Beta Delta is an honor society for international scholars that recognizes academic achievement in international education. The organization fosters the network of faculty, staff and students involved in international endeavors. The members including those at Washburn university often engage in study abroad programs, international research and exchange activities.
Danny Wade, professor of English and associate provost for faculty development at Washburn; Tracie Lutz, senior lecturer in education; Melanie Burdick, a professor of English and Jeannette Nobo, academic advisor of college of arts and science, were recently inducted into Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for international scholars.
Burdick discussed her academic journey and current roles in Washburn University.
“I always love to read and write. And when I was in college, I decided I wanted to study English, and I had some professors in college that really made a difference in my life,” Burdick said. “So I decided I wanted to be a teacher as well. […] I started going to graduate school and became interested in teaching composition and learning how people learned to write and decided to focus my studies on the teaching of writing in high school and college. I’ve taught at UMKC and at KU and some community colleges in Kansas City, but I’m really happy to be here at Washburn.”
Burdick highlighted her involvement in the Phi Beta Delta international honor society, which recognizes faculty for international collaboration and study abroad programs and reason to be honored as indutees.
“I’ve been taking a group of students in the English department to study abroad with my colleague Louise Krug,” Burdick said. “She and I are taking students on a study abroad program where we’re going to do a travel writing class, and we’re going to London and Wales, and we’re doing that in May, right after graduation. And then I’ve also helped with a collaboration between Washburn and a university in China. We’re taking a group of our English and education majors to China to meet them in June, and so I’m going to get to go on that trip as well.”
Burdick shared that her selection as a Phi Beta Delta inductee is likely due to a combination of her academic and international experiences. She is currently participating in a study abroad program and has also presented at four international conferences on education. She has presented in Athens, Greece, Valencia, Spain and Granada Spain. One additional conference was originally scheduled to be held in Ireland but was moved online due to COVID-19 pandemic. She explained that these teaching and international research experiences along with her academic specialization likely contributed to her selection.
Burdick also shared that the English department is preparing its first-ever abroad program.
“So the English department, as far as we know, the people who are teaching here now, we don’t think the English department has ever had a study abroad program,” Burdick said. “So I’m excited that we’re doing our very first one this May, and we’re going to be taking 12 students to the United Kingdom and going to three different cities there.”
Wade shared about his current role at Washburn University, explaining that he serves as associated provost for faculty development in the office of academic affairs, where he supports the faculty with promotion and tenure processes, internal grants and mentoring new faculty.
Wade clarified his main reason for being selected as Phi Beta Delta inductee.
“It’s an honor society and so part of that is, recognize and encourage achievement in the areas of International Education and exchange,” Wade said. “The reason why they initiated me into that was because of my recent work with Wyoming Normal University and helping develop the English education program there.”
Wade outlined his plans and goals for Phi Beta Delta, stating that the university currently has a joint English education program with Liaoning Normal University in Dalian, China, and has recently established a new agreement. He explained that his focus is on launching the program successfully, increasing student recruitment and expanding opportunities for both student and faculty exchanges. Additionally, he noted that there are plans to hire a few faculty members to support teaching within the program.
Wade explained that travelling has played a very positive role in his own life and he strongly encourages others to travel.
“I traveled to China for the first time in October, and it was a life changing experience,” Wade said. “And was able to really see for myself what people are like, what education is like, and it’s nothing like you see in the news or in the media here. It’s really special. And so when I came back, I also had a change of heart, and was really motivated then to continue to work hard and get this program up to speed.”
Wade added that one of his goals is to help get both students and faculty to travel and engage in international experiences. He shared that this summer he will be taking a group of 12 students, who are English education and education majors, to a university in Beijing and other locations in China.
The 40th Annual International Conference of Phi Beta Delta will be held June 1–2, 2026, at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina.The conference theme is “Celebrating 40 Years of PBD: Advancing Global Knowledge and Learning.” It will bring together internationally minded faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and students to share research, practices and innovations that promote global learning and international collaboration. The event also welcomes individuals interested in becoming members of Phi Beta Delta and aims to strengthen connections among scholars dedicated to international education and exchange.
Edited by Anushma Dahal and Bidhya Sapkota
