Join Associate Dean of International Education Curt Rom and U of A Rome Center Director Francesco Bedeschi for a virtual campus visit from the Rome Center. Guests will learn about the latest updates on international travel, events at the Rome Center, new programming and student opportunities at the Rome Center.
Francesco Bedeschi
Francesco Bedeschi is an architect who lives in Rome, Italy. He currently serves as the Resident Director of the University of Arkansas Rome Center, the European hub of the University of Arkansas, established in Rome in 1989. He began his work with the Rome Center in 2003 as a teaching assistant and currently is an adjunct assistant professor with the Fay Jones School of Architecture. Bedeschi holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Sapienza University in Rome and a Master of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in NY. He is one of the first Italian LEED AP and joined the Green Building Council Italia where he still serves as the Chairman of the Lazio Chapter and member of the Steering Committee. In addition to his work as an educator and administrator, Bedeschi works as a green building consultant on large Italian and European projects. He is member of the Steering Committee of the Association of American Colleges and University Programs in Italy. Married to Ilaria since 2002, he has two daughters Emma, 15, and Margherita, 12. He is an active biker and loves all mountain activities both in summer and winter.
Curt Rom
Curt Rom received a BS in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas in 1980, and an MS and PhD from The Ohio State University. In 1984 he joined the faculty of Washington State University, returning to the UA in 1989 as a Horticulture faculty member to study apple breeding, and physiology and management of apples and peaches. In 1999, he started work on sustainable and organic horticulture. He was honored with the title of University Professor and has been recognized widely for his teaching and leadership. In 2013, Associated Student Government named him “faculty of the year.” In 2011, Rom became Director of Bumpers College Honors Programs, and served in 2014 as Interim Dean of the Honors College. In 2015 he became Associate Dean for International Education and serves as the senior international officer responsible for all aspects of international programs and strategies of the UA, including oversight of the Rome Center. Rom and his spouse are life members of the Alumni Association and he served two terms on the National Board. He is a life-long Razorback fan who likes to travel.