the pantry di/administrator
Priya Shah is currently the Associate Director of International Recruitment at North Central College. She was an instructor in the English Language Institute (ELI) at North Central College from 2015 and a lead instructor from 2019 to 2021.While teaching at North Central, Priya was given the opportunity to recruit international students at virtual events throughout the world and soon after she was given the role of Assistant Director of International Recruitment. Since August 2022, Priya has travelled to various countries and regions to recruit in- person and she just returned from a five-week recruitment trip in Asia. Born and raised in the United States, Priya grew up in Michigan until she was 14 years old and moved to Kansas City with her family where she completed her 4 years of high school. She graduated with a B.A in English Literature from DePaul University in 2002 and after spent a year teaching abroad in Alexandria, Egypt. Priya went on to earn a master's in education in Secondary Education at DePaul University and taught English to high school sophomores and juniors for 2 years. She has over 15 years of experience teaching ESL/ELL. In addition to international recruitment, Priya also has been working with various Indian American Organizations and high schools throughout the Chicagoland area with the goal to build a relationship between North Central College and the Indian American community. In her free time Priya enjoys baking cakes and cookies
Darla Hopper stands as the Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management, marking a significant achievement in her illustrious career within the higher education sector. Her professional journey is characterized by a steadfast commitment to excellence and a proven track record of success. Darla is a seasoned expert, whose acumen in leadership, compliance, and strategic planning is matched by her proficiency in student recruiting, admissions, and financial aid. Her skills are not just born of experience but are also academically nurtured. Darla holds a Master’s degree in Leadership Development (MLD) from Saint Mary of the Woods College, where she honed her ability to steer educational institutions toward success in a dynamic and competitive landscape. This rigorous academic preparation has equipped her with the tools necessary to lead with vision and integrity. In recognition of her professional prowess and contributions to the field, Darla has been duly honored with a Fellowship of the American Association of Collegiate Admissions Counselors (FAAC), an accolade reserved for the most distinguished professionals who have made a significant impact on the world of college admissions. At the helm of enrollment management, Darla Hopper is more than an interim figure; she is a beacon of innovation and excellence. Her leadership is marked by an unwavering dedication to fostering educational opportunities and a deep understanding of the complexities of higher education administration. Darla’s visionary approach and strategic insight continue to propel her institution to new heights, setting benchmarks for others to follow.
My name is Kacie Gastanaga. I grew up in Idaho and studied in many places over the course of my BA, MA, and PhD including Alaska, Spain, Kentucky, and Illinois. I studied to be a Spanish professor and loved the intercultural aspect of that career as well as working with students, which led me to pursue a career in International Admissions. I currently work as International Outreach Coordinator at the University of Arizona overseeing our correspondence with students from all around the world who are interested in studying here. In my free time, I love exploring the outdoors with friends.
Cassidy Gardner serves as the Enrollment Counselor for Central & Southern Africa, including Ghana, at The University of Arizona's International Admissions department. With a specialization in regions like Southern Africa, Kenya, and Ghana, Cassidy is dedicated to guiding prospective undergraduate students through every phase of their admission journey. Her primary role involves assisting students in understanding and navigating the complexities of the study abroad process. Cassidy's commitment to students' educational pursuits is evident through her comprehensive support and guidance, ensuring they achieve their study abroad aspirations.
Marleni Feinstein was born and raised in Singapore, and came to the United States in 1986 to study at Indiana University-Bloomington, where she earned two Masters degrees (English literature and library science). She taught writing courses at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, and in the Distance Learning Program for Indiana University. Her languages include Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and some Indonesian dialects. For nine years, she has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children in Lycoming County.
Myle Duong is currently the assistant director of international admissions and recruitment at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). After graduating from UNI in 2017 with her Global Marketing degree, she pursued and completed her Masters in International Higher Education from Loyola University-Chicago and joined the UNI admissions team in 2022 after working in the study abroad field for several years. Myle's work at UNI is focused on identifying strategic ways to reach and connect with prospective international students through digital and in-person platforms to help them pursue their dreams of college in the U.S. Myle has spent time traveling in Europe, Asia, South America, North America, and continues to travel for recruitment initiatives. In her spare time, Myle enjoys tasting and cooking new cuisines as well as spending time with her dogs. Myle has been a guest on the Study in the USA live sessions sponsored by ETS TOEFL participating in important topics like “Planning for International Study: 7 Steps to Success”and “Making the Most of Your Time Abroad: Getting Involved on Campus.”
Darren Grosch is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at LA City College, spearheading the development of its International Student Center and cross-cultural initiatives. With a history of designing cultural immersion programs in Morocco, Jordan, and Los Angeles, he previously held roles as the Director of International Education at Mt. San Antonio College and led internationalization efforts at both Otis College of Art and Design and Los Angeles Southwest Community College. He played pivotal roles in the NAFSA National Conference and Region XII SoCal District, and is an esteemed presenter for NAFSA Region XII on study abroad designs and localized global education. Darren holds an MA from Antioch University in Education, Leadership, and Social Change, and a B.A. from San Jose State University in Environmental Education.
Leslie Grishin is the Assistant Director of International Admissions at Indiana University Indianapolis and the International Visitors Program Manager at The International Center. With roots in Indianapolis, her journey from a student in Germany to teaching in Japan has fostered a passion for global education, now driving her mission to highlight Indy's international ties and foster impactful cross-cultural connections.
I came to NEIU in 2008 to take up the position of Professor and Chair of Justice Studies. Prior to that, I was the Director of the Justice and Peace Studies program and an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. I love to travel and sometimes I take students to conferences here in the U.S. and to study in Guatemala, Bangladesh and South Africa. I had the opportunity to teach high school in Nigeria for a year when I was an undergraduate and so I know just how important study abroad can be. I have also done consulting and research in Guatemala, Ghana and Pakistan. While on sabbatical in South Africa in 2005-06 I worked as a researcher for a human rights NGO in Johannesburg. This is related to my work on human rights for Amnesty International which I have done since 1991, including providing court testimony in immigration cases. I currently serve on a subcommittee of AI (USA)’s board and as the advisor to NEIU’s AI Student Club. I also serve as co-chair of the board of the Peace and Justice Studies Association (PJSA), a group of peace studies scholars and activists in the U.S. and Canada. As the mother of a college sophomore I am currently getting to see college from several different perspectives, and I truly love working with NEIU students who are hungry to get an education. |
Rachel grew up in a very small mountain town (population 300) in Northern California. She has been working in student services since she was an undergraduate Psychology major at California State University, Chico. She began her career at CSU, Monterey Bay but found her way to Butte Community College in 2006. She had the opportunity to begin working with the international program in 2012 as the admission technician, and her position grew into the International Program Coordinator. She can support students from the very beginning when exploring college options, continuing through their studies at Butte College as their advisor and after they graduate! When she is not supporting the international students on her campus she is traveling the world, enjoying working on her house and yard, or pursuing her creative passion with many craft projects. In her global travels, she loves to explore new places and try new foods. She is willing to try any food at least once. Global snacks and beverages are her favorite to explore.
Meagan Truxal is a seasoned F-1 Advisor who specializes in supporting international students throughout their academic journey. A proud alumna of LA Pierce College, she went on to complete her education at CSU Northridge. Boasting extensive experience in the realm of international education, Meagan offers a tailored suite of services specifically designed for F-1 students. She adeptly guides students through diverse programs, demystifies health insurance choices, assists meticulously with F-1 status documentation, provides expert advice on visa obligations, and facilitates travel signatures. As a committed advocate for international students, Meagan is the go-to resource to ensure a smooth and enriching academic experience abroad.
Brennan J. Randolph, MBA, began duties as Interim President of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in July 2023. Randolph has been a member of the staff of SMWC since 2015 when he joined the College as Vice President of Enrollment Management. Prior to coming to SMWC, he was president of Harrison College, and his 16-year tenure at Harrison College included managing all aspects of the college as president, assistant executive director, director of education, accounting supervisor and financial aid analyst. His successes included campus operation, enrollment flow, retention efforts and program growth. Randolph earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University in Midland, Mich., and his Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. He was awarded Campus President of the Year by Harrison College in 2013 and 2014. He is a member of Terre Haute Downtown Rotary, an ex-officio board member of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, a past board member for the United Way of the Wabash Valley and the Rural Health Innovation Collaborative and on the supervisory committee for Vigo County Federal Credit Union.
Margaret (Maggie) Wolford is the Director of Recruitment and Admissions for Binghamton University's Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science. She joined Binghamton University in 2015 as Watson College's Graduate Recruitment Coordinator. In 2017, she shifted her efforts to international students as the International Graduate Recruiter. As Director, Maggie oversees Watson College's graduate recruitment efforts worldwide, working with a tight-knit team to share the university's unique offerings, and represents Watson College and Binghamton University at various graduate school fairs, forums, conferences, and meetings across the U.S. and internationally. While pursuing a Master's in Public Relations and Graduate Certificate in Institutional Research at Ball State University, Maggie served as the Recruiting Campaign Manager and Graduate Student Orientation Manager for the Graduate School and held positions in the Sponsored Programs Office, Study Abroad office, Career Center, and Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
Laura Pitois is the embodiment of dedication and expertise in the realm of international education. As the esteemed Academic and Admissions Coordinator for International Student Services at Florida State College at Jacksonville, she has established herself as a student-centered professional, deeply committed to the advancement and success of her students. With a specialization in advising, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and a heartfelt passion for supporting the unique needs of international and English as a Second Language students. Her reputation as a talented educational leader is anchored in her resourcefulness and exceptional organizational skills, which allow her to thrive in the dynamic, fast-paced environment of higher education. Laura's ability to navigate complex scenarios with grace and efficiency makes her a pillar of support for both students and her institution. In her critical role as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for F-1 students, Laura is the linchpin in ensuring compliance with the Department of Homeland Security regulations, providing peace of mind for the international student community under her guidance. Her unwavering commitment to fostering a nurturing and conducive learning environment has made a significant impact on the lives of countless students, paving their way to academic achievement and cultural acclimation. Laura Pitois is more than just an advisor and coordinator; she is a visionary leader whose influence extends beyond the confines of academia, inspiring a brighter future for the global citizens she serves.
As the Associate Director of International Programs at the University of Pennsylvania's College of Liberal & Professional Studies, I am privileged to lead initiatives that enhance global engagement and the educational experience for our students. My academic background includes a Master's degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, providing me with a strong foundation to drive educational excellence and internationalization. Additionally, my Bachelor's degree in French Language and Literature from Penn State University reflects my commitment to cross-cultural communication and understanding. During my tenure at Penn English Language Programs, I was a Lecturer and Language Specialist and eventually had the opportunity to manage the University Connection Programs. This experience allowed me to further develop my skills in international program development, fostering cultural exchange, and facilitating language acquisition. Before joining the University, I honed my program management and professional development expertise as a Community Education Manager and Professional Development Specialist at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. I am deeply passionate about creating transformative educational experiences, promoting global perspectives, and fostering cultural understanding and exchanges.
Cody Marschalk serves as the Assistant Director of International Student Services and Recruitment at the University of North Georgia (UNG). Before joining UNG in 2023, he was the Assistant Director of International Recruitment and Admissions at Coastal Carolina University. Previous to that, he lived in Japan for 6 years, working as a JET Program English language instructor and later in International Admissions at Shizenkan University in Tokyo. He received both his master's degree in Higher Education Administration and his bachelor's degree in English Literature from Auburn University.
Liliana Chin Lau is a seasoned professional with a robust background in communication and administration, boasting over a decade of expertise in these domains. As the current Admissions & Outreach Manager and Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) at the University of California, Santa Barbara, she leverages her extensive experience to enhance the institution's outreach initiatives and streamline admissions processes. Liliana's academic journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to learning and excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication, with a specialization in Public Relations, from the Pontifical Catholic University of the State of Parana in Brazil. Her pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there; her distinguished academic performance earned her a prestigious full scholarship from the Chinese Government to undertake her master's degree in China. During her three-year sojourn in Asia, Liliana immersed herself in the local culture and academic rigor, culminating in a master's thesis on Sustainability and Societal Marketing. Her insightful work on this topic has been recognized and disseminated at international academic conferences. A polyglot, Liliana is proficient in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Mandarin, a skill set that underscores her global perspective and ability to connect with diverse communities. Her professional tenure spans various business sectors, where she has applied her communication acumen to drive growth and foster collaboration. However, her passion lies in the field of education and her dedication to nonprofit organizations. In her current role, she channels this passion into creating opportunities for students and shaping the future of higher education with her innovative approach and international experience. |
