Team

Adam Julian

Director of Business Development, USA
Adam serves as the Director of Business Development, USA, where he leads Grok's business growth and partnership development across the United States. His appointment follows a successful tenure as Senior Partnerships Director at IDP Education, building upon a career in international education that began in 2004 at Indiana University. Throughout his career, Adam has contributed to international education at numerous U.S. universities in California, Indiana, Maryland, and North Carolina, leading both international student and scholar services and international student recruitment. Notably, he served as Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars at UMBC and Director of International Students, Scholars, and Outreach at Appalachian State University. Adam's commitment to the field is evident through his volunteer leadership roles and contributions. He served as Chair of NAFSA’s ISS RP Committee and a member of AIRC’s certification commission, among other positions with associations and organizations in the field throughout his career. Adam is a two-time Fulbright recipient (Moldova 2011, Japan 2018). He holds an M.A. in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and a B.A. in History from Indiana University.

When did you join Grok?
April 2025 

Describe yourself in three words.
Curious; Persistent; Creative 

What were you doing before working at Grok?Prior to my time at Grok I was a Senior Partnerships Director for IDP where I was responsible for establishing and facilitating strategic partnerships for U.S. universities. 

What was your first job in education?
My first job in education was as an hourly student employee in the Indiana University Office of International Admissions in 2002. I began the summer before my first semester as an undergraduate student. In 2004, I was offered a full-time position and finished my bachelor’s degree part-time with the help of tuition assistance. I guess you can say I’m a lifer. 

What does international education mean for you?
I believe that increased mutual understanding amongst the people of the world is the single most important ingredient for a peaceful world in which human beings can flourish. International education is one of the most effective ways to promote the exchange of ideas and experiences that I know of. I have dedicated my professional career to creating those opportunities. 

What is one of the most satisfying outcomes you’ve helped a client to achieve?
I have had the privilege of supporting many colleagues and clients throughout my career. It’s really too difficult to name a single one that stands out. I would say that I am most satisfied when I have been able to work collaboratively with clients to achieve outcomes that required creative thinking and different approaches to solve a challenge. 

What is your favourite book?
Yes. Seriously though, it’s way too difficult to pick just one. I am an avid reader who enjoys nearly every genre. 

What is your dream travel destination? Why?
Mongolia. I have always been attracted to wide open spaces that give you a sense of wonder and perspective of the scope of humanity. Can’t say for certain, but I think Mongolia would fit the bill and I’ve always dreamed of spending some time on the steppe. 

What is your favourite food to eat with friends?
Anything that has flavor (bonus points for spice) and is interesting. 

What is a something you’ve learned from somebody inspirational?
No matter what you do, be a monster at it. A close second is something my grandma used to say, people do the best they can, especially when they don’t. 

What was your favourite subject at high school or university?
I have always been a curious person who loves learning. I loved studying languages (mainly Russian for me) and was drawn to anything that touched about culture, language, history, and social elements. One course that really changed the trajectory of my life was a seminar on language death and language revitalization.

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