Dr Rachel Rui

Dr Rachel Rui is a global research strategist and higher education leader serving as Director of Global Research, Innovation and Partnerships at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Assistant Director of the UT Japan Center.

With more than 15 years of experience in international higher education, strategic partnership development, and global engagement, Rachel leads the university’s global research portfolio, advancing international research collaboration and institutional partnerships across the world.

Her work focuses on connecting faculty expertise with strategic global opportunities that expand research capacity, foster innovation, and strengthen UT’s international research impact. As part of this work, she is leading the development of UT’s emerging European research funding strategy while cultivating collaborative pathways with institutions, funding agencies, and innovation partners worldwide to support faculty engagement in international research initiatives.

Dr Rui has also led the transformation of UT’s international partnership infrastructure through implementation of the MoveOn Global Partnership Platform, significantly enhancing agreement management, institutional data intelligence, and strategic decision-making. Her leadership emphasizes building sustainable systems that align global research engagement with institutional priorities, economic development, and long-term partnership success.

An active contributor to national and international conversations on global engagement, including through NAFSA and AIEA, Dr. Rui is committed to advancing higher education’s role in driving global connectivity, research excellence, and innovation through strategic international collaboration.