Alicia Brent

Alicia draws from a diverse international background in language education, curriculum development, and academic program leadership. She holds a B.A. in International Studies with a focus on cross-cultural communication. She completed advanced study in French Language and Civilization at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, where she also taught professional English in government and banking settings. She later earned an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, a degree that took her to Beijing to work on international education for the University of California-Riverside. Alicia went on to teach advanced English to professionals, diplomats, and graduate students studying translation and interpretation at the Monterey Institute, while managing the English for Diplomats program. 

In 2007, Alicia became Director of Intensive Language Programs at the Institute, where she oversaw curriculum, staffing, assessment, and program operations across multiple languages and instructional teams. Since 2013, she has served as Director of Executive and Custom Programs, providing academic and operational leadership for a broad portfolio of international programs spanning diverse disciplines. Her work includes guiding program and curriculum development, liaising with international partners, mentoring faculty and instructional teams, and ensuring program alignment with institutional priorities.

In addition to her institutional roles, Alicia has led and contributed to international professional development and curriculum initiatives, including work with U.S. Department of State Office of English Language Programs in India, Indonesia, Bhutan, and South Africa. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating learning environments that are intentional, reflective, and responsive to diverse learners and contexts.