Lone Star College System administrator receives Werner Kubsch Award

HOUSTON, TX -- When Katharine “Katie” Caruso, Ph.D., Lone Star College System associate vice chancellor for Honors and International Education, had to leave high school due to a medical illness, she was uncertain about her future. After earning a GED, an undergraduate degree and two graduate degrees, she is now being recognized by Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) with the Werner Kubsch Award for advancing global education opportunities at community colleges.

“This award means a lot to me because I was peer-nominated, but it also validates the One LSC Philosophy,” Caruso said. “There is no award that I can receive in international education that is singular. I am grateful for the amazing collaboration with faculty, staff and administrators across Lone Star College System who work hard every day to support our students.”

CCID is an international organization dedicated to strengthening global partnerships and educational programs that promote economic development at two-year colleges. The Werner Kubsch Award honors an international educator, like Caruso, from a CCID member institution who demonstrates outstanding leadership and lifelong dedication to international education.

“Dr. Caruso was recognized for her visionary leadership in international education, commitment to staff and faculty development, strategic partnership building, and systematic curriculum internationalization,” said Stephanie Kim, Ph.D., LSC-University Park director, Honors and International Education. “Through her curricular innovations, Lone Star College System has democratized global learning, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have meaningful access to international experiences.”

Through Lone Star College System’s partnership with CCID, students and employees have gained access to faculty exchange fellowships, scholarships, internships, study abroad experiences and international degree opportunities in countries including France and Morocco. Caruso also became a Fulbright Scholar after traveling to Japan in 2024 and helped LSCS earn recognition as a 2023 Fulbright Top Community College Sender and 2024 Fulbright HSI Leader.

“Katie Caruso exemplifies the impact international education can have on students, faculty and communities,” said Karen McBride, Ed.D., CCID executive director. “Her leadership and commitment to expanding global learning opportunities have strengthened access to intercultural experiences at the community college level and helped prepare students for success in an increasingly interconnected world.”

According to Caruso, community colleges are uniquely positioned to develop innovative, nimble programs that meet workforce needs through strong industry partnerships.

“The college system’s involvement in organizations like CCID creates valuable professional development opportunities for faculty and staff while expanding programs that broaden perspectives for both employees and students,” said Caruso.

Education was not Caruso’s original career path. As a student studying radio and television, she took a Shakespeare course that changed her perspective after experiencing a classroom environment built on open dialogue and shared ideas.

“As soon as I got into teaching, it felt like I could breathe,” Caruso said. “I love sharing ideas, learning from students and helping them reach the next phase of their journey. For me, education is about giving students the foundation and support to become who they are meant to be.”

Caruso joined LSC-North Harris in 2007 as an English faculty member and helped expand honors coursework. In 2014, she launched the LSCS Honors College, now Honors and International Education, and led comprehensive efforts to internationalize the college. Working with a dedicated team, she established programs such as International Faculty Fellows and Global Scholars while significantly expanding international studies opportunities. She also served as CCID interim executive director in 2019.

“At Lone Star College System, we provide opportunities for all students, including first-generation college students like me, to stay close to home, afford college and expand their horizons beyond their own backyards,” Caruso said. “It was important to help build an educational experience that I would have wanted for my former self, my family and later my daughters.”

The LSCS Honors and International Education Division offers travel opportunities, cultural events, service-learning experiences, conferences and more than 150 co-curricular courses open to students across all degree programs. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/HonorsCollege.