Directorate

Yuan Zhou, M.S.E.

Chair

Residence Director
Student Housing and Residential Life (SHaRE) at University of San Francisco
Pronouns: she/her/hers/她

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Yuan is originally from Bangkok, Thailand with a strong Chinese family background. She is a double alumna from the University Dayton with a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S.E. in Higher Education Administration. Currently, she is working as the Residence Director at the University of the best city ever (University of San Francisco).

Kriti Gopal

Chair-Elect

Ph.D. Student
Educational Leadership
Indiana University
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Kriti Gopal is currently a first year doctoral student in the Educational Leadership (with a focus on higher education) program at Central Michigan University. She is currently the vice co-chair for marketing, social media and membership. She holds a graduate assistantship within the Office of Community Engagement on campus. Her research interests include understanding international student experiences through persistence, retention, adjustment issues, intersectional identities and experiential learning through collegial experiences.

Yuezhong Zheng, M.A.

Past Chair

Program Coordinator
International Students and Scholars Center Arizona State University
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Yuezhong is currently a Program Coordinator for the International Students and Scholars Center at Arizona State University. Born and raised in Fuzhou, China, Yuezhong's passion for a quality international education led her to pursue her undergraduate study in the U.S. and later into the field of international higher education. She earned her Master's in Student Access & Success in Higher Education from the University of Michigan, where she worked as the Global Engagement Coordinator for Global Scholars Program, a living-learning community focusing on global social justice. Additionally, Yuezhong also gained professional experience from working at the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Rice University as well as an international summer program at Stanford.

Yuezhong believes that every student, regardless of their backgrounds, deserves an opportunity to see the world and experience other cultures. Therefore her goal is to make meaningful global learning more affordable andaccessible for everyone. Before becoming the Chair, Yuezhong served as the Vice Chair for Sponsored Program and a General Member.

Katie Koo Ph.D.

Faculty-in-Residence Elect

Dr. Katie Koo is an assistant professor of Higher Education at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Dr. Koo’s research focuses on underrepresented students’ collegiate experiences, mental health issues, and adjustment, including international students’ psychological well-being. She is currently serving on the ACPA College Student Development International Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development as Faculty-in-Residence and co-chairing ASHE 2021 Annual Convention International Higher Education Session. Dr. Koo is the recipient of 2020 ACPA Emerging Scholar Award for as well as the Chuck Arize Junior Faculty Award of Research and Dedication by Texas A&M University-Commerce for her longitudinal mixed-method research projects on the impacts of campus climate and discrimination on the mental health of international students.

Dr. Mary Ann Bodine Al-Sharif

Faculty-in-Residence Elect

Assistant Professor of Higher Education
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Dr. Mary Ann Bodine Al-Sharif currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Higher Education in the School of Education at UAB. She completed her B.A. in Religious Studies at Randall University, M.A. in English at the University of Central Oklahoma, and M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Adult and Higher Education at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Bodine Al-Sharif has worked in higher education for over 13 years as both a faculty member and student affairs and services administrator. She served as a Social Justice Graduate Research Fellow during her doctoral studies, and in 2019 was selected by the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the International Exhibition and Conference on Higher Education (IECHE) Program as a Saudi Fellow. Her research interests are focused on current global movements in educational reform, international higher education, student development, and issues of social justice and advocacy within higher education. Specifically, she explores the lives of students who define themselves as living between worlds across issues of ability, race, religion, gender expression and the like.

Celia Ogna

Vice-Chair for Marketing and Social Media

Celia grew up in France and earned a bachelor’s in Travel Management from a French Business School. She moved to the US at 21 as an international student and developed a strong passion for International Education and diverse cultures during that time. After graduating, Celia moved to Finland to start her career and further expand her understanding and experience of the world. There, she gained a strong professional experience with 5 years in the startup industry, focusing on experience, engagement and well-being in diverse workplaces, overall ensuring the best possible experience in the work community. Celia’s passion for introducing students to global opportunities that will expand their understanding of the world and enhance their academic, professional, and personal lives, led her becoming a consultant in International Education.

Lixing Li

Blog & Podcast Editor

International Students Programs Advisor
International Students and Scholars Services at University of Missouri St. Louis
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
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Lixing is currently an international student program advisor for the International Students and Scholars Services at University of Missouri St. Louis. Born and raised in Guangzhou, China, Lixing came to US for her bachelor’s in Secondary English Education at the University of South Carolina Upstate. She found her passion for students affairs and international education and decided to work for international students in higher education. She earned her M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the College of William & Mary, where she worked as an admissions specialist at the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Lixing is looking forward to working with other higher ed professionals to improve intercultural communication and support international students, faculty and staff success in this community.

Katie Goodroad

Website Manager

Katie was born and raised in Minnesota. She received her B.A. from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and her M.S. in College Student Affairs from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Katie has been fortunate to study and work abroad in Tanzania, South Korea, and France. Her current role as Coordinator for International Orientation and Outreach at Indiana University includes delivering a comprehensive orientation program for incoming international students, and developing cultural and social programming for IU’s international community.

Hanna Lee

Website Manager

SEVIS and International Services Coordinator
Office of International Education and Programs at State University of New York at Oswego
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Hanna is currently a SEVIS and International Services Coordinator at SUNY Oswego. She received her B.A. in Mass Communication and Journalism from SungKyunKwan University and Ed.M. in Higher Education Administration from University at Buffalo. She runs the website (sevissavvy.com) where she shares her expertise in F-1 and J-1 visa regulations and updates in Chinese, English and Korean for international students.

Dr. Nupur Goyal

Coordinator for Membership Engagement

Director of Residential Life and University Community Standards
New York University Shanghai
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email: ng25@nyu.edu

Nupur currently serves as the Director of Residential Life and University Community Standards at New York University Shanghai. In her role, Nupur oversees the residential experience, housing operations, and university community standards, helping students create an engaging, inclusive, and supportive community at NYU Shanghai. Having previously worked at NYU New York & NYU Abu Dhabi in diverse areas of Student Affairs, Nupur is excited to join the Office of Student Life at NYU Shanghai. Nupur has a PhD in Higher and Postsecondary Education from NYU (New York) and her research interests include international higher education, leadership development, and career coaching. Nupur is originally from Mumbai, India.

Tamayo Zhou

VC Marketing & Social Media

Graduate Assistant
Office of Diversity and Inclusion at University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Pronouns: he/him/his
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Tamayo Zhou is originally from Tianjin, China and is a graduate student at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As a master's student in Educational Administration with a specialization in Student Affairs Administration and a graduate assistant in the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services, Zhou is creating spaces for dialogue on important issues, fostering inclusion on campus, and making an impact.

Xiao Yun Sim

Blog & Podcast Editor

Career Services Consultant
Purdue University
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Xiao Yun is from Penang, Malaysia and is a recent graduate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Xiao Yun earned her M.A. of Educational Administrations (Student Affairs) in May 2021. During her undergraduate career she was actively involved with new student orientation working with international and domestic orientation. She will be starting her new role as the Career Services Consultant at the Center of Career Opportunities at Purdue University.

Ling Jin

Vice Chair of Convention Experience

Student Development Coordinator
International House at Duke University
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Ling Jin was born and raised in Shanghai, China, and was living in Hong Kong for many years before moving to the U.S. She is currently working at Duke International House, where she plans and organizes activities that support international students, scholars, and their families, as well as designing and leading educational programs that promote intercultural skills and social justice. 
 

Qian Yee Fam

Vice Chair, Sponsored Programs

Graduate Assistant
Office of Sustainability, William and Mary College
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Qian Yee (AKA Jenny) was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She did her undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and assisted in international programs and orientation for three years. She is passionate about international students' transition experience to a new culture and global leadership opportunities, which led her to further her studies at William & Mary (W&M) pursuing her Master's degree in Higher Education Administration. At W&M, she is the graduate assistant at the Office of Sustainability, facilitating various initiatives and collaborating with offices across campus to close the gap between environmental, social, and economic sustainability. She is also the Coordinator for the Virtual Conversation Partner Program at W&M Reves Center for International Studies, where she connects new incoming international students with domestic students to practice English conversation skills. Over the summer, she will be working at UC-Berkeley as an Assistant Residence Director for Summer Session, welcoming international students and create professional development opportunities for them. Jenny believes that every student should have access to quality education and abroad opportunity for intercultural experiences. She hopes to work with international students when she graduate, assisting them with their initial transition to prepare them for a successful future at the university.

Gaurav Harshe

VC Educational Programs

Assistant Coordinator
University Housing, Division of Student Affairs at Florida State University
Pronouns: he/him/él/他/तो
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Gaurav currently serves in the Assistant Coordinator role within University Housing at Florida State University as he progresses to study in the M.S. in Higher Education program there. Hailing from Mumbai, India, he has a strong interest in the Internationalization of Higher Education within all functional areas and specifically within International Student/Scholar services, programs, and policies. He previously worked as a Teaching Assistant at the Center for Global Engagement at FSU, with the Global Citizenship Certificate developing intercultural competence within undergraduate students. His love for working with international students/scholars comes from his active involvement for over 3 years at the Colorado State University's Office of International Programs where he helped coordinate programming efforts. 

Cecil Bodibe

Member-at-Large

Professor Cecil Bodibe, PhD, is a Consultant at WAMCILT. He was the former Dean of Students at Technikon SA and former Vice-President of Student and Alumni Affairs at Unisa.

Anna-Kaye Rowe

VC Educational Programs

PhD Candidate
Ohio University
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Anna-Kaye Rowe is a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at Ohio University located in Athens, Ohio. She was born and raised in the beautiful island of Jamaica and relocated to the United States in 2014 to for graduate studies Ohio. There, she received dual Masters degrees in Public Administration (MPA) & Communication and Development Studies (MA). Prior to graduate school, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona in Media and Communication.

Currently, she serves as an Instructor at Ohio University’s Global Leadership Center, working closely with students enrolled in their 2-year Global Leadership Certificate program. Anna-Kaye also coordinates the Center’s professional development programming for graduate and professional students working collaboratively with several departments and faculty. Her scholarly interests explore the transitions and experiences of international doctoral students in the United States, career preparedness and alternative careers to academia (alt-ac). She also has a keen interest in women’s leadership in academia, graduate student wellness, and the ways in which international and first-generation students navigate higher education. Anna-Kaye enjoys building meaningful connections through networking, event planning, trying out new recipes, and traveling

Amanda Best-Noel

Coordinator for Membership Engagement

Manager (Student Leadership & Government)
Division of Student Services and Department at The University of the West Indies- St Augustine campus
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Amanda currently serves as Manager, Students’ Guild Office at The University of The West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus; a position where she supports and guides the development of student leaders. In the last 10 years, she has also led in the creation of programs for student orientation and transition. Amanda worked internationally researching, understudying and influencing best practices in holistic student services. She holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies (UWI) and has taught in the University’s Communication Studies program for 13 years.

Wadad Housseini

VC Awards & Scholarships

Office of VP of student Affairs
Qatar University
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Originally from Lebanon, currently working at Qatar university since 2009 as consultant to VP of Student Affairs. Previously served as Director of Student Activities at American University of Beirut. Earned Masters in educational Psychology from American University of Beirut. Interested in Women in Higher education, women leadership and internalization of higher Education.

Jane Sitter

Member-at-Large

International Career Consultant
Career Services Administration - Office for Student Affairs at UMN-Twin Cities
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Jane Sitter is the International Career Consultant at UMN Twin Cities, serving undergraduate international students career development. Jane holds a Master of Arts in Comparative International Development Education, & is pursuing a PhD in Higher Education at UMN. Jane is interested in internationalization at home, international & domestic student friendship, and career readiness.

Anya MacLachlan

Member-at-Large

Assistant Director International Student Engagement
International Student and Scholar Services at The New School
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Anya has worked in international education for 15 years. She holds master's degrees in applied linguistics, German, and English literature and is working toward her EdD in Higher Education Leadership. She has lived and worked in China, El Salvador, Malta, Thailand, and Russia. In 2015, Anya moved back to the United States and began working with international students at Drew University as an academic program manager. She taught ESL, writing, linguistics, and Russian. In January 2020 Anya started her amazing position at The New School. She works with international students from all over the world at the office of International Student and Scholar Services. In her free time, Anya loves to spend time with her husband and son, play piano, and learn Chinese on Duolingo.

Kyoungah Lee

Member-at-Large

International Programming Coordinator & Advisor
Student Affairs at University of Pittsburgh
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Kyoungah Lee is the International Programming Coordinator & Advisor of the Office of Cross Cultural and Leadership Development in the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. In her current role, she advises six different student organizations and coordinates the Global Ties program that is designed to support international students to experience the best collegiate experience by providing leadership and working opportunities, workshops for student/staff/faculty, retreat with international and domestic students, and cultural immersion trips. She received her M.Ed. from the University at Buffalo (SUNY) and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Management. Her interest is to bridge the gap in support for international students and help all students to be internationally competent and globally oriented.

Anil Maharaj

Member-at-Large

Mr. Anil Maharaj graduated from The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad in 2016 and is the holder of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Management since. Having won a national scholarship for persons with disabilities in 2014, he was employed as an Associate Professional at the Scholarships and Advanced Training Division (SATD) at the Ministry of Education, Trinidad and Tobago for a period of one year in his bid to repay the value of his scholarship through obligatory service to the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.  Mr. Maharaj is gainfully employed at the Student Life and Development Department (SLDD), Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD) with effect from 28th November 2017 in the capacity of a Student Services Assistant. Mr. Maharaj has overall responsibility for the provision of quality service for all students who present with disabilities and medical conditions at the SLDD with the main aim of creating a campus without barriers. 

Mr. Maharaj was born partially sighted, but his disability never deterred him from reaching closer to his overall life objective. Mr. Maharaj always demonstrates a fighting spirit and always sees the positive outcomes of every life activity.  He was given the opportunity to work as a Student Assistant within the years of 2014 to 2015 at the SLDD during his tenure of studies, where he gained many skills in preparation for the world of work. Mr. Maharaj has participated in several training and development workshops, which strengthen his abilities to effectively respond to student issues.  Mr. Maharaj has conducted several presentations internally and externally to his work environment to provide education and guidance on the issues of persons with disabilities and medical conditions within an academic setting. 

Having a knack for ITC from a young age (particularly in the area of web development), Mr. Maharaj has been given the opportunity at his current job to innovatively streamline his department, by demonstrating his joy and passion for computers. Mr. Maharaj has rolled out cutting-edge databases and online technology to boost efficiency at his work, which has ultimately created a significantly reduced workload and increased overall benefits to immediate stakeholders of the department.  Mr. Maharaj is very excited that he was able to revolutionize his department (SLDD) where his work and contribution is well received and recognized.

Mr. Maharaj is a current member of the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of the Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel Association (CTLPA) since 2019 as a Member-at-Large and is currently assisting the Membership Coordinator with the membership database and looking for ways to increase membership.  He is also a member of the CTLPA regional body.  Additionally, Mr. Maharaj is a proud recipient of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Membership Scholarship via The Commission for Global Dimensions of Student Development (CGDSD) for the 2021 period.