Leadership
Arclight Institute is led by a team of educators, international program leaders, and communications professionals who share a commitment to preparing students for meaningful global careers. Together, they combine decades of experience in higher education, international affairs, student support, and organizational leadership to create transformative learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. (Biggest problems require cooperation, joint solutions, conversations between academia and practice, intersection between theory and practice.)
Dr. Andrew Armstrong founded the Fribourg Institute to provide students with a transformative study abroad experience that bridges academic study and the professional world. With a PhD in Political Science from George Mason University and extensive teaching experience in the U.S. and internationally, he brings both academic rigor and a global outlook to the Institute’s programs. He has also collaborated with the U.S. State Department’s Sports Diplomacy program and served as a political contributor to Sweden’s national public radio.
Dr. Armstrong is dedicated to preparing students not only to succeed in the classroom but to thrive in international careers. He believes studying abroad should open doors—to institutions that shape global politics, to mentors who can illuminate career pathways, and to experiences that deepen both knowledge and perspective. Under his leadership, the Institute gives students extraordinary access to diplomats, policymakers, and global organizations while helping them develop the skills, confidence, and connections they need to step boldly into their futures.
Dr. Trevor Thrall is a recognized authority in international affairs and political science. A prolific scholar, he has published extensively on global security, foreign policy, and the power of information in shaping international relations. His expertise is sought by universities, think tanks, and media outlets, where he has contributed to national and international discussions on pressing global issues.
As Chair of the Academic Board, Dr. Thrall provides strategic academic leadership for the Fribourg Institute, guiding program design and ensuring rigorous, relevant coursework. He also serves as the instructor of record in select program years. Dr. Thrall is deeply committed to preparing students for impactful careers by connecting academic study with real-world practice and the Institute’s unmatched access to global institutions. For Dr. Thrall, studying abroad is a vital opportunity to broaden horizons, build networks, and develop the skills future leaders need in an interconnected world.
Ms. Beth Cauvel has spent her career supporting students in study abroad programs, ensuring their experiences abroad are both academically rigorous and personally transformative. With many years of experience in international education and program administration, she brings deep expertise in student support, operations management, and cross-cultural engagement.
Ms. Cauvel believes there is no substitute for the learning that comes from immersion in new places, cultures, and ideas. She is dedicated to enriching students’ education by broadening their perspectives and deepening their understanding of the world. At the Fribourg Institute, she plays a central role in guiding operations and supporting students throughout their journey, recognizing the Institute’s unique opportunities for access to influential organizations and career-shaping experiences.
Professor Annalise Schmidt is a doctoral researcher at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. Her research focuses on disinformation campaigns in Africa, BRICS development programming, and the European Union’s responses to emerging threats. With professional experience in both program development and classroom teaching, she brings academic depth and practical expertise to her work at the Institute.
Professor Schmidt is dedicated to helping students discover new perspectives through study abroad. She believes that immersive international education broadens horizons and equips students to meet global challenges with knowledge and confidence. At the Fribourg Institute, she helps shape programs that combine rigorous academics with life-changing experiences.
