Lorna Stern is a leading figure in international university education with more than 30 years of experience. She began working with the College of Global Studies at Arcadia University many years ago, helping build one of the largest and most well respected University-based global education programs in the United States. Recently retired, as Vice-President of Arcadia and Executive Director of the College, Lorna served at the forefront of the growth and development in the field of international education and has spoken at many professional and academic conferences. Leading a team of 180 administrators, faculty and staff, they developed a variety of short and long term global study programs for students from Arcadia, but also for thousands of students from nearly 300 colleges and universities around the United States. They built innovative programs in South Africa, Tanzania, New Zealand, Germany, Chile, Mexico, Austria, Hungary, China, India, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Greece and France.
Born in South Africa and raised in Great Britain, Lorna has a B.A. from Wells College in International Relations (with an emphasis on African affairs), and an MA. in International Law and Diplomacy (MALD) from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (with a focus on international law and the Middle East). Lorna was also a recipient of a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship which she utilized at the University of Cape Town (SA), where she explored Comparative African government and law.
Lorna is married to Robert Laniak and lives in Rockport, MA and is the proud owner of a magnificent English Labrador named Cholmondeley (“Chumley”). She loves long walks on Cape Ann beaches, deep conversations over great meals, her dear friends and family, and sailing. She has been known to fly fish and rock climb in “the good old days”. She is always up for an adventure and has never found a conversational rabbit hole she did not enjoy diving down. She is an Anglican by denomination and a follower of Jesus by faith and conviction.
Lorna joined the David C Cook Board in January 2023. She serves on the Governance, Ministry Advancement, and Personnel & Planning Committees.
