Wittenborg’s Stephen Orme appointed Vice-President of EAIE

11.06.2026

Orme to take on Vice-President role officially after EAIE Conference in Glasgow

Stephen Orme, Head of Business Development and Operations at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, has been appointed Vice-President of the European Association for International Education (EAIE).

The EAIE is a non-profit, member-led organisation that has supported higher education professionals in the internationalisation of their institutions since 1989. It brings together practitioners from across the world to encourage collaboration, professional development and knowledge exchange in international higher education.

Orme joined Wittenborg in early 2025 and works across departments to strengthen operational efficiency and support strategic development.

With more than 20 years of experience in international education, he has worked across public universities, national agencies and private providers.

Orme has been involved with EAIE committees and governance structures since 2008 and is currently a member of the EAIE board.

His appointment comes ahead of the association’s annual cycle of activities, including its flagship EAIE Conference and Exhibition taking place in September this year in Glasgow, which brings together thousands of participants from across the global higher education sector. He will officially take on the role of Vice-President after the conference.

Speaking about his appointment, Orme said:

“The role of Vice-President is an ongoing part of my work on the EAIE Board and allows me to represent EAIE externally as well. I look forward to taking on this responsibility and I thank Wittenborg for its continued support towards my role in EAIE.”

Speaking about the value of EAIE’s work in the sector, he highlighted the importance of in-person engagement and professional exchange.

“The annual EAIE conference is the biggest in international education in Europe that we have. It is mainly to connect with people face to face but also to explore new opportunities,” he said.

He added that the association plays a broader role beyond its flagship conference.

“Many people associate EAIE with the conference, but it is much more than that. It is a member association with more than 3,400 individual members working in the sector who can benefit from resources, professional development and networking opportunities throughout the year.”

As part of its governance role, the EAIE board contributes to the strategic direction of the association and its engagement with stakeholders in European higher education. Orme has also taken part in discussions with European-level policymakers on developments affecting the sector.

He said collaboration remains central in an increasingly complex international higher education landscape.

“This is a great chance to look for strategic partnerships or strategic opportunities as a private business school. I think this is interesting for us to reach out and have conversations at the right level,” he said.

Wittenborg has been part of the EAIE community for many years and regularly attends its annual conference and wider professional network activities. This year, the university of applied sciences will also be present with a booth, with several staff members attending.