John Deal

John Deal serves as the Director of Global Launch at Arizona State University, leading the university’s flagship English language and academic preparation unit. He oversees a robust portfolio of in-person, online, and customized programs that support learners from around the world. Under his leadership, Global Launch delivers high-impact language and academic training—preparing students for success in higher education, professional advancement, and cross-cultural communication. Through partnerships with governments, corporations, and universities, he helps extend the unit’s global reach and reinforce its reputation as a trusted leader in international education.

Since joining ASU in 2014, John has held several leadership roles within Global Launch. His focus has been on creating a seamless, high-quality experience for students in all modalities while pursuing a more collaborative and supportive work environment for faculty and staff. Having immigrated to the United States as a teenager without speaking English, John understands firsthand what it means to adapt to a new culture and language. His early experience sitting in an English language program shaped a lifelong desire to help others feel welcomed and supported in unfamiliar surroundings. 

Before joining ASU, he taught middle and high school history in Arizona and Hawaii. John holds a BA in History and a Master’s in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, and he is currently pursuing a PhD in Writing, Rhetorics, Literacies at ASU. He is a dual citizen of Brazil and the United States, a native Portuguese speaker, and proficient in Spanish.